Thrombocytopenia in the neonate

Thrombocytopenia in the newborn period is not uncommon, particularly in sick premature neonates. Thrombocytopenia in this age group is mainly secondary to other neonatal illness, such as infection or birth asphyxia, but maternal illness and primary platelet production defects also may be responsible for thrombocytopenia in infants. This article briefly reviews the pathophysiology and differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in newborns, with a particular focus on neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia and thrombocytopenia secondary to maternal ITP. The diagnostic approach to these patients and their perinatal management also are reviewed.