The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Neonatal Thrombocytopenia among Newborns Admitted to Intensive Care Unit of Aliasghar Children’s Hospital

Background: Determining the prevalence and risk factors of thrombocytopenia among neonates enables us to prevent the inevitable and sometimes irreversible complications. In this study we aimed to survey the frequency of thrombocytopenia and its demographic features and risk factors. Materials and methods: In this cross sectional study the platelet counts of 364 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Aliasghar children’s hospital, Tehran, Iran, were assessed. Maternal and neonatal medical conditions, risk factors and drug history were also recorded. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the severity of thrombocytopenia: mild (100-149 × 109/L), moderate (50-99 × 109/L), severe (30-49 × 109/L) and very severe (< 30 × 109/L).They were also grouped as presenting early (less than 72 hours after birth) and late (more than 72 hours after birth) thrombocytopenia. Demographic data and hemorrhagic manifestations were also recorded. Results: Sixty two (17.9%) of neonates were thrombocytopenic. The average gestational age at birth for the thrombocytopenic neonates was significantly lower than the non thrombocytopenic neonates (32.2 ±2.5 weeks versus 34.9± 2.5, P=0.0001), and also the average birth weight was significantly lower among the thrombocytopenic neonates (1979±517gr versus 2371±480 gr, P=0.0001). Neonatal sepsis was significantly associated with thrombocytopenia (24.1% versus 5.9%, P=0.0001). Conclusion: Our study indicated a high prevalence of thrombocytopenia among neonates admitted to NICU and its association with low birth weight, prematurity, and neonatal sepsis. Regarding the importance of life threatening events among the thrombocytopenic newborns, it is best to keep the risk factors in mind to prevent the future complications. Key words: Thrombocytopenia, risk factor, neonate, preterm