Thrombocytopenia in the newborn

Thrombocytopenia in the newborn is a common finding in both preterm and term infants. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, the most serious cause of which is intraventricular hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia can be attributed to many neonatal disorders that are common in the NICU. This article reviews the physiology of normal platelet production and hemostasis in the newborn. It discusses some of the disorders that cause thrombocytopenia. It also discusses the diagnosis and treatment of thrombocytopenia to give the nurse a better understanding of the disease process.