Neonatal Platelet Function

Abstract

Similarly to the development of the plasma coagulation system, which matures during the early weeks and months of life, age-dependent mechanisms and developmental changes influence platelet production and function in neonates. Platelet function testing on cord blood and peripheral blood demonstrates a generalized platelet hyporeactivity, during the first days of life. This reactivity reaches normal adult levels between the fifth and ninth day of life. The persistence of hyporeactivity after the tenth day of life might indeed suggest a platelet disorder.

Keywords: Megakaryocytes; Neonatal hemostasis; Platelet hyporeactivity; Platelets; Primary hemostasis; Thrombocytopoiesis.