[Peculiarities of hemostasis in the term newborn infant]

Haemostasis in the new-born is a product of various factors which are both qualitative and quantitative. The only factors that compare in levels and quality with those in the adult are factors V, VIII and XIII. They are alterations in the semi-analytical tests for coagulation except in the Stypven time. In contrast with this deficit shown up in haemostasis by global tests coagulation is normal and in truth there is hypercoagulability. Using Laurell's method of immunoelectrophoresis for levels of alpha 2 M high levels of this are shown contrasting with progressively lowered antithrombitic action. These paradoxes no doubt arise from the fact that neonatal haemostasis is analysed using standardised techniques and reactions which were developed for adult haemostasis, from which it is certainly as different as from those of other animals. Neonatal haemostasis is perfectly balanced in normal conditions. Important changes occur however in respiratory distress where there is a drop in factor V and soluble complexes appear, bringing about rough shapes suggestive of the subclinical syndrome of defibrination. This situation will be further developed in a forthcoming article.