Clinical Review : Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Newborns

Abruptio placenta, asphyxia, toxemia of pregnancy, sepsis and gen eralized viral infections are common causes of disseminated intra vascular coagulation in newborn infants. Prolonged prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, low fibrinogen level, and throm bocytopenia are typical laboratory findings. The decision to give anticoagulation therapy with heparin rests upon bleeding or thrombosis or both, the question of intracranial bleeding, and the duration of the anticoagulation required. Significant bleeding or thrombosis of vessels of vital organs requires heparinization.