Pathophysiology of coagulation and deficiencies of coagulation factors in the newborn

Abstract

The main points of difference between neonatal and adult hemostasis are as follows: • Platelets show significant differences in function • Bleeding times are shorter through increased activity of von Willebrand factor (VWF) • Increased tissue factor (TF) availability from monocytes and microparticles • Many procoagulant and inhibitor levels are gestationally dependent • Thrombin generation equivalent to adult • Reduced procoagulant and inhibitor reserve • Relatively impaired fibrinolysis • In both, normal screening test results do not equate with normal hemostasis.