Neonatal bleeding

Last updated: Friday, 21, January, 2011
Key InformationAppropriate Tests

FBC, blood film.

See also Bleeding disorders

Thrombocytopenia

Immune

Maternal ITP, including 

Maternal platelet count, however fetal/neonatal thrombocytopenia may occur even when the maternal platelet count is normal.

Platelet antibody tests on maternal serum may be informative.

Alloimmune

Platelet antigen typing of parents; platelet antibody tests - consult pathologist.

Non-immune

Prematurity

Intra-uterine infection, especially

Drug-related, especially

  • Maternal thiazides

DIC, especially with

Congenital syndromes

Prematurity

Neonatal sepsis

Severe hypoxia

Haemorrhagic disease of the newborn

PT, APTT.

See also Vitamin K deficiency.

Inherited bleeding disorders

Severe inherited disorders of haemostasis may occasionally present in the neonatal period; see under Bleeding disorders.