CHARACTERIZATION OF NEONATAL THROMBOCYTOPENIA AT TEACHING HOSPITAL OF RAHIM YAR KHAN

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence and characterization of thrombocytopenia in neonates and the pattern of illnesses in these thrombocytopenic neonates.

Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 400 neonates in Pathology and Pediatric departments of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from November 2022 to July 2023. Analysis of data was done by using SPSS 23.

Results: Out of 400 studied neonates, males made up 238 (59.5%), while females were 162 (40.5%). Thrombocytopenic neonates were 76(19%) while 324(81%) neonates had normal platelet count. Out of the 76 thrombocytopenic neonates, 42(10.5%) neonates had mild thrombocytopenia, 25(6.25%) had moderate thrombocytopenia and 9 (2.25%) had severe thrombocytopenia. Degree of thrombocytopenia revealed that 46 (11.5%) of neonates had thrombocytopenia in late onset phase while 30 (7.5%) had early onset thrombocytopenia. Correlation of thrombocytopenia with several disorders displayed that neonatal sepsis and anemia were significantly linked with thrombocytopenia, followed by birth asphyxia, neonatal birth in preterm and full-term neonates, low birth weight and Neonatal jaundice, furthermore, the p-value for bleeding in neonates allied with thrombocytopenia was found significant with value of 0.03.

Conclusion: The current study discovered that mild thrombocytopenia among neonates is frequent followed by moderate and severe. Thrombocytopenia has strong correlation with neonatal sepsis, anemia, birth asphyxia, neonatal birth (pre term, full term) and bleeding. Severe thrombocytopenia can be used as a prognostic indicator in sick neonates. Hence thrombocytopenia is a frequent challenge for neonatologists to cope the serious consequences of neonatal health.  

Keywords: Neonatal thrombocytopenia, Platelet, Low birth weight neonates, Sepsis, Asphyxia.