THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN NEONATAL SEPSIS: CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS, LABORATORY FINDINGS, AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES
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Abstract
Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes of neonates with sepsis according to thrombocytopenia status.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in 86 neonates with sepsis treated at the Neonatal Department, Bac Ninh Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital No 2, from June 2021 to May 2026. Neonates were grouped according to platelet counts at sepsis diagnosis.
Results: The prevalence of thrombocytopenia among neonates with sepsis was 48.8%. Among thrombocytopenic neonates, mild, moderate, and severe thrombocytopenia accounted for 57.1%, 35.7%, and 7.1%, respectively. Median platelet counts at diagnosis and at nadir were 103.5 and 76.0 x 10^9/L respectively. The thrombocytopenia group had higher rates of pallor, prolonged capillary refill time, abdominal distension, lethargy, bleeding, prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, and Gram-negative infections (all p < 0.05). Platelet transfusions were administered to 16.7% of thrombocytopenic neonates. This group also required vasoactive support more frequently, had longer hospital stays, and had a higher rate of the composite outcome of death, discharge against medical advice in critical condition, or interhospital transfer (all p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia was common and accompanied by more severe clinical manifestations, greater supportive treatment requirements, and longer hospital stays.
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Keywords
thrombocytopenia, neonatal sepsis, neonate
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