Factors Associated With Thromboembolism in Neonates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte1,2, Norma Maria Pérez Herrera3, Elisabeth Boileau4
1Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Centre Mère-Enfant Soleil, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
JAMA Network Open
|May 6, 2026
Summary
Neonatal venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk factors like preeclampsia, low birth weight, cardiac disease, and infection are identified. Further research is needed to develop a risk assessment model for early VTE identification in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a growing concern in neonates.
- Currently, no risk assessment model exists for early identification of high-risk neonates.
- Understanding existing evidence is crucial for developing such a model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal risk factors associated with VTE in neonates.
- To inform the development of a neonatal VTE risk assessment model.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and clinicaltrials.gov (1990-2025).
- Included peer-reviewed studies on venous thrombosis in neonates up to 44 weeks corrected gestational age.
- Data abstraction guided by PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines; meta-analysis using random-effects model.
Main Results:
- Sixty studies including 3,366,507 neonates were analyzed.
- Significant risk factors for neonatal VTE included preeclampsia (OR 2.66), low birth weight (OR 2.05), cardiac disease (OR 5.90), and infection (OR 2.90).
- Other potential factors showed inconsistent results.
Conclusions:
- Preeclampsia, low birth weight, cardiac disease, and infection are key risk factors for neonatal VTE.
- Study limitations include heterogeneity, undefined thrombosis outcomes, and limited data on common conditions/medications.
- Further research is essential for risk stratification and developing a predictive model.
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