Neonatal thrombocytopenia: What we do and don't know

The evaluation and management of thrombocytopenia is a frequent challenge for neonatologists, as it affects 22-35% of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Multiple disease processes can cause neonatal thrombocytopenia, and these can be classified as those inducing early thrombocytopenia ( 72 h). Most cases of neonatal thrombocytopenia are mild to moderate, and do not warrant intervention. In approximately 25% of affected neonates, however, the platelets count is 50 x 10(9)/L does not decrease the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and that 30 x 10(9)/L might be an adequate threshold for stable non-bleeding neonates. However, adequately powered multi-center studies are needed to conclusively establish the safety of any given set of neonatal transfusion guidelines.