Thrombocytopenia in Newborns

Thrombocytopenia means that a newborn baby does not have enough platelets in their blood. Platelets are blood cells that help the blood clot. They are made in the bone marrow.

How to Say it

thrahm-boh-si-toh-PEE-nee-uh

Causes of Thrombocytopenia in Newborns

Thrombocytopenia may be caused when a baby doesn't make enough platelets, when the platelets are trapped somewhere in the body (such as in blood clots), or when the platelets break down too soon.

Making too few platelets may be caused by problems with a mother's blood pressure, such as preeclampsia. This limits blood flow to the baby and keeps the baby's bone marrow from being able to make enough platelets. Less often it may be caused by infections in the baby's bone marrow while in the uterus. Examples include rubella or syphilis. Some medicines taken by the mother or given to the baby can also affect the bone marrow and lower the number of platelets made. Some rare genetic disorders also lower the number of platelets made.

Another reason for thrombocytopenia is when a mother’s immune system makes antibodies against the baby’s platelets. This causes the platelets to break down too soon. Some babies who are very sick, especially those who are trying to fight off infections, will also break down or use up platelets more quickly, because of their illness.

Babies at Risk for Thrombocytopenia

This condition is rare in babies. But a baby is more likely to have problems with platelets if they:

• Are very premature with a very low birth weight
• Need to be in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to illness

Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia in Newborns

Symptoms can include:

• Bruising or small red spots on the skin (petechiae)
• Bleeding in other body systems

The symptoms of thrombocytopenia can seem like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees their doctor for a diagnosis.

Diagnosing Thrombocytopenia

The doctor will check your baby’s health history. They will do a physical exam. Blood tests will show lower platelet counts.

Treatment for Thrombocytopenia in Newborns

Treatment often depends on the cause of the thrombocytopenia. Most cases aren't serious enough to need treatment. But your child may need a platelet transfusion.

Possible Complications of Thrombocytopenia in Newborns

Babies who don’t have enough platelets may have bleeding into the tissues. Bruising of the skin is common. With bleeding, the red blood cells break down. This makes bilirubin. Bilirubin can build up in the blood and cause a yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).

Too much bleeding can be dangerous and can affect the brain and other body systems.