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Reduced platelet count as a risk factor for intraventricular hemorrhage.
B A Lupton1, A Hill, M F Whitfield
1Division of Neurology, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|November 1, 1988
Summary
This study found that low platelet counts do not significantly increase the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants. Thrombocytopenia is not a major factor in this condition for premature babies.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Hematology
Background:
- Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a significant concern in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
- The role of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) as a risk factor for IVH remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the lowest recorded platelet count and the occurrence and severity of IVH in VLBW infants.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 302 VLBW infants (birth weight < 1500 g) was studied.
- Lowest platelet counts within the first 4 days of life were correlated with IVH incidence and severity.
Main Results:
- IVH occurred in 90 infants (29.8%).
- No significant association was found between reduced platelet count and the occurrence or severity of IVH.
- Only 27 infants with IVH had platelet counts below 100 x 10(9)/L.
Conclusions:
- Reduced platelet count does not appear to be a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of IVH in VLBW infants.
- Further research may explore other contributing factors to IVH in this vulnerable population.