The neonate at risk for thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is one of the commonest haematological problems of neonates. The incidence varies greatly depending on the patient population, and the pathogenesis involves various immune and nonimmune mechanisms. Before birth, the risk of neonatal thrombocytopenia can be assessed by considering the maternal history, pregnancy complications, and family history. In non-thrombocytopenic neonates the risk that thrombocytopenia might subsequently develop during the hospital course can be assessed. In some cases this risk assessment allows prediction of the timing of presentation; early or late-onset. Early-onset (congenital) thrombocytopenia can be the kinetic result of either reduced platelet production or accelerated platelet consumption. In late-onset neonatal thrombocytopenia the principal kinetic mechanism is generally accelerated platelet consumption.