Coagulation screening tests in high risk neonates: A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Forty seven infants in a prospective cohort of 170 high risk neonates without signs of overt bleeding had abnormal coagulation screening tests within 36 hours of birth. Early thrombocytopenia was a better predictor of prolonged prothrombin times and hypofibrinogenaemia than very low birth weight, fetal growth retardation, or poor five minute Apgar scores.