[Coagulation screening tests of low-weight newborn infants--deviations and dynamics]

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Hematology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Neonatal coagulation status is complex and can differ significantly between term and low birth weight infants.
• Screening tests often reveal coagulation abnormalities in newborns during the first day of life.
• Vitamin K prophylaxis is standard practice, but its specific impact on coagulation dynamics in different infant groups warrants detailed study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the coagulation status and its dynamics in newborns with low birth weight compared to term infants.
• To assess the effect of vitamin K prophylaxis on coagulation parameters in these infant groups.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study conducted in 1993 involving low birth weight newborns and a control group of term infants.
• Coagulation screening tests were performed on both groups.
• Comparison of coagulation test results between infants who received intramuscular vitamin K prophylaxis and those who did not.

Main Results:

• Abnormalities in coagulation screening tests were observed in both low birth weight and term infants on the first day of life.
• Following vitamin K prophylaxis, prothrombin time (PT) showed similar dynamics in both groups, approaching adult normal values.
• Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) remained significantly prolonged in the low birth weight infant group.
• Infants receiving prophylactic vitamin K demonstrated faster normalization of hemostasis parameters compared to those without prophylaxis.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin K prophylaxis plays a crucial role in normalizing coagulation parameters in newborns, particularly those with low birth weight.
• While PT normalizes effectively with vitamin K, aPTT may remain prolonged in low birth weight infants, suggesting persistent coagulation system alterations.
• Early vitamin K administration facilitates a quicker return to hemostatic balance in at-risk newborns.