Platelet counts, fibrinogen concentrations, and factor V and factor VIII levels in healthy infants according to gestational age

Abstract

Platelet counts and the level of the non-vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors fibrinogen, factor V, and factor VIII were measured in 106 normal newborn infants of four different gestational age groups. For comparison, the vitamin K-dependent factors were studied. It was found that the numbers of platelets and levels of factor V were similar in the several age groups as they were to those of older children. Fibrinogen values were similar in the four age groups but were significantly lower than those in older children. The level of factor VIII increased with gestational age, as did that of factor II, but in contrast to that of factor II was always within or above the values found in older children. © 1973 The C. V. Mosby Company.