Causes of thrombocytopenia in newborns

Oct 14, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Neonatal thrombocytopenia may result from severe bacterial or viral infections affecting the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal system, leading to abnormal coagulation function and excessive consumption of platelets. It may also be caused by hematologic disorders that suppress normal bone marrow hematopoietic function. Additionally, infections caused by parasites, various bacteria, and viruses can lead to platelet sequestration in the spleen, resulting in reduced platelet counts.

Neonatal thrombocytopenia may be caused by factors such as neonatal infection, hematological disorders, or abnormal platelet distribution.

1. Neonatal Infection

Newborns have relatively weak immune systems and immature organ development. Their respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are susceptible to bacterial or viral infections. Severe infections can lead to coagulation dysfunction and excessive consumption of platelets, which often results in thrombocytopenia.

2. Hematological Disorders

If a newborn suffers from blood disorders such as aplastic anemia, leukemia, or immune thrombocytopenia, bone marrow hematopoietic function may become abnormal. When normal hematopoiesis is suppressed, it can lead to neonatal thrombocytopenia.

3. Abnormal Platelet Distribution

If a newborn is affected by parasitic infections, various bacterial or viral infections, or congenital hemolytic diseases, conditions such as hypersplenism or splenomegaly may develop. This can cause platelets to be sequestered in the spleen, thereby reducing the number of circulating platelets in the bloodstream.

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