Neonatal Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is one of the most common hematologic problems in the neonate. It affects up to 30% of all patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The causes of thrombocytopenia in neonates are diverse and include immune, inherited, and acquired disorders. The evaluation of the neonate with thrombocytopenia may be challenging. Developing a diagnostic strategy to evaluate the neonate with thrombocytopenia is key for the practicing clinician. Here, we provide a practical approach to the evaluation of the neonate with thrombocytopenia and an overview of its most common etiologies.