Risk Factors of Neonatal Thrombocytopenia-A Prospective Observational Study

Tania Hussain¹, Sultana Begum², Mohammed Basir Uddin³, Md Shahrian Khan⁴, Fahim Ahmed⁵, Rehnuma Binte Hye⁶

Abstract

Background: Neonatal thrombocytopenia is a common hematological disorder in neonatal intensive care units, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the risk factors is crucial for early identification and management. This study aimed to identify and analyze the various maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia in newborns.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over 12 months in a tertiary care NICU. Fifty neonates with thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150,000/ L) were enrolled. Detailed maternal and neonatal data were collected using structured proformas. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi- square tests, and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors for severe thrombocytopenia.
Results: The mean gestational age was 34.2 ± 3.1 weeks, with 64% being preterm neonates. Severe thrombocytopenia was observed in 32% of cases, moderate in 38%, and mild in 30%. Early-onset thrombocytopenia ( 72 hours) predominated in 62% of cases. Pregnancy-induced hypertension was the most common maternal risk factor (36%, p=0.012). Among neonatal factors, prematurity (64%), sepsis (48%), and birth asphyxia (38%) were most prevalent Platelet transfusion was required in 44% of cases, and bleeding complications occurred in 24%. The mortality rate was 6%.
Conclusion: Neonatal thrombocytopenia is a multifactorial condition with prematurity, sepsis, and maternal pregnancy-induced hypertension as independent predictors of severe disease. Early recognition of these risk factors can facilitate timely intervention and improve clinical outcomes. The predominance of early-onset cases emphasizes the importance of maternal factors in pathogenesis.

Keywords: Prematurity, sepsis, pregnancy-induced hypertension, platelet transfusion

Request For Pdf Version of this Journal

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *

First

Last

Institute Name

Designation *

Phone Number

Email *

Message *

Submit