Neonatal thrombocytopenia and platelets transfusion

Background: Neonates often develop thrombocytopenia at some time during hospital stay. Platelet transfusion are frequently given to them and are likely to result in unnecessary transfusion. Material and Methods: Thus, we analyzed thrombocytopenia in neonates, its prevalence, and relationship if any, between clinical condition and platelet transfusion in neonates, which would have been helpful in developing guidelines and/or protocols for platelet transfusion (and reducing the donor exposure) in neonates. Results: A total of 870 neonates who were admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with various morbidities had platelets count done; of these, 146 (16.7%) neonate revealed thrombocytopenia. Discussion: Low birth weight babies (P 0.009) and babies born with mother having hypertension (P 0.04) showed significant thrombocytopenia. Neonates with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) diagnosed during antenatal screening showed lower platelet count (P 0.022). Neonates having associated illness, such as sepsis, gastrointestinal, and respiratory problems, and on vasopressor drugs were found to be associated with low platelet count. Conclusion: In our study, 16.40% of thrombocytopenic neonates required platelet transfusion either alone or with other blood component during their stay in NICU.