Study prognostic significance of low platelet count in newborn admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at tertiary care center

Abstract

One of the most frequent haematological abnormalities found in new-borns is Thrombocytopenia. In neonates admitted to ICUs, thrombocytopenia develops in 18–35 % of all patients. With decreasing gestational age and birth weight, the incidence are increasing. Platelets are formed by megakaryocytes and are present in the bloodstream for 5–7 days. Platelets are known as regulators of haemostasis and thrombosis. Platelets become active in the blood resulting vascular injury. Thrombopoiesis is the formation of platelets in the Bone marrow. Thrombopoietin is the main regulator of thrombopoiesis. Thrombopoietin affects most aspects of the production of platelets. The process of Thrombopoiesis is caused by the breakdown of proplatelets (mature megakaryocyte membrane pseudopodia projections). Aim is to assess the prevalence, causes, treatment modalities, and prognostic outcomes of thrombocytopenia in neonates. Research design was carried out in the Department of paediatrics and neonatology, Government Medical College, Surat from October 2020 to April 2022. Data were collected from MRD section. Platelet numbers were estimated from whole blood EDTA sample taken from neonates for routine medical management. Data were analysed for Age, Sex, Intraventricular haemorrhage, other bleeding manifestation, Necrotising enterocolitis, Sepsis, Fungal infection & final outcome. Out of 1265 neonates admitted to the NICU at Department of paediatrics and neonatology, GMC, Surat 450 neonates were found to have thrombocytopenia. Male neonates are more significantly affected than female neonates. The early platelets drop even without the later development of thrombocytopenia is an early indicator of poor outcome and major morbidities, mainly infection.