The Neonate
Venkatesh V., Curley AE., Stanworth S.
The development of the hematological system in the neonate is a complex interplay of genetic, prenatal, intrapartum, gestational age-related, and postnatally acquired factors. Increased survival of neonates at lower limits of gestational age coupled with the dynamic changes in neonatal hematological physiology during the transition from fetus to neonate makes diagnosis and management of disorders of neonatal hemostasis and thrombosis challenging. Thrombocytopenia is one of the commonest neonatal hematological problems encountered, but thromboembolism and coagulation defects also contribute to neonatal morbidity and mortality. This chapter will discuss the principal thrombocytopenic, thrombotic, and hemostatic disorders presenting in a neonatal population.