Disorders of Coagulation in the Newborn

Abstract

The coagulation system in newborns varies from that of children and adults, with many circulating hemostatic factors being lower in the newborn. Infants are also susceptible to diseases and conditions in the pregnant person affecting their coagulation system, which can make it difficult to rapidly identify the cause behind coagulopathy in a neonate. Coagulation disorders can result in high levels of infant morbidity and mortality, which makes early diagnosis and prompt treatment critical. This review outlines the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management, epidemiology, and etiologies of both common and uncommon congenital and acquired forms of neonatal coagulopathy.