Thrombosis and thromboembolism in an infant of a diabetic mother

An infant of a diabetic mother (IDM) presented with evidence of multiple thromboses. Body parts clinically involved with the thromboses included: kidney, brain, lung, forearms, and fingers. The probable pathophysiology was postulated as primary renal vein thrombosis with subsequent embolization via the transitional neonatal circulation and secondary thromboses around lodged emboli. Amelioration of some of the complications of neonatal thrombosis may be possible by early heparin therapy. Identification of newborns with hypercoagulable states may be important as an aid in preventing iatrogenic thromboses associated with the placement of intravascular catheters.