CLINICAL EVALUATION OF NEONATAL THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN NEONATAL I.C.U

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia IS a very frequent problem among sick neonates. In the present study, it was found that its incidence was 71%.

The most common clinical manifestations were chest infection, convulsions, bleeding tendencies, intra-cranial hemorrhage and petechiae.

There was significant correlation between thrombocytopenia and anemia.

The most common causes of neonatal thrombocytopenia were bacterial sepsis, pregnancy induced hypertension, asphyxia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. There was improvement in the majority of cases.

Any infant suffering from septicemia platelet count should be evaluated.

Any infant with platelet count less than 20.000/mm 3, cranial ultrasound examination must be done before hospital discharge.