The Incidence and Risk Factors of Neonatal Thrombocytopenia in Newborns Admitted to NICU - An Institutional Analysis

Dr. Nivedita Prabhakar Yerramilli; Dr. Sunil Pawar

Volume : VIII, Issue : XI, November - 2019

The Incidence and Risk Factors of Neonatal Thrombocytopenia in Newborns Admitted to NICU - An Institutional Analysis

Dr. Nivedita Prabhakar Yerramilli, Dr. Sunil Pawar

Abstract :

Introduction: Neonatal thrombocytopenia is a common clinical entity in the NICU. The incidence among neonates admitted to the NICU is much higher than the overall incidence and widely varies depending on the underlying population studied. Aims: To find out the incidence rate and the associated risk factors of neonatal thrombocytopenia in the new–borns admitted to the NICU. Materials and Methods: All the in–born neonates that required NICU admission were included in the study. Samples for platelet analysis were sent on day 1 and day 3 of life as per NICU protocol. Beyond day 3 of life, in the presence of risk factors platelet counts were analysed once every 48 hours. If at any point, laboratory thrombocytopenia was encountered platelet counts were sent for analysis once every 24 hours. The data collected was tabulated and relevant statistical analysis was carried out. Results: 47.27% of the neonates had thrombocytopenia. 86.5% thrombocytopenic neonates were pre–term babies and only 13.5% were term neonates. The thrombocytopenic neonates also had a significantly lower mean gestational age of 32.7 weeks compared to 35.1 weeks among the non–thrombocytopenic new–borns. The mean birth weight of thrombocytopenic babies was 1.7 kg compared to 2.5 kg in the non–thrombocytopenic neonates with a significant p value of <0.001. The occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis was also significantly higher among the thrombocytopenic neonates. Among the maternal risk factors, pregnancy induced hypertension was present in 42.3% of thrombocytopenic neonates. Conclusion: Neonatal thrombocytopenia is a common clinical entity whose incidence depends on the underlying population studied. The establishment of the incidence rate and the most commonly associated risk factors in the institute has helped us in early recognition of underlying risks and prompt initiation of appropriate treatment.