Thromb Haemost 2003; 90(05): 823-828
DOI: 10.1160/TH03-02-0089
Blood Coagulation, Fibrinolysis and Cellular Haemostasis
Schattauer GmbH

Thrombophilia does not increase risk for neonatal complications in preterm infants

Gili Kenet*
1   The Pediatric Coagulation Service, Institute of Thrombosis and Hemostasis,
4   Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
,
Ayala Maayan-Metzger*
2   The Department of Neonatology, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital,
4   Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
,
Nurit Rosenberg
1   The Pediatric Coagulation Service, Institute of Thrombosis and Hemostasis,
4   Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
,
Ben-Ami Sela
3   The Institute of Chemical Pathology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
4   Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
,
Ram Mazkereth
2   The Department of Neonatology, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital,
4   Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
,
Aviyah Ifrah
1   The Pediatric Coagulation Service, Institute of Thrombosis and Hemostasis,
4   Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
,
Jacob Kuint
2   The Department of Neonatology, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital,
4   Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 09 February 2003

Accepted after resubmission 10 July 2003

Publication Date:
05 December 2017 (online)

Zoom Image

Summary

The association between thrombophilia and neonatal complications was evaluated in a single-center prospective study. Prevalence of genetic prothrombotic markers (FVL, MTHFR, FIIG20210A) and levels of plasma homocysteine were assayed in 166 premature (mean gestational age: 30.9±2.3 weeks) and low birth weight (mean weight: 1327±319 grams) infants. The incidence of any neonatal complications was compared in infants with and without thrombophilia. A total of 38 infants were defined as “thrombophilic” due to heterozygous FVL (n=4) and/or FIIG20210A (n=8, including one case of combination with FVL) or homozygous 677T MTHFR (n=22) or homo-cysteine plasma levels above 15µmole/liter. Neonatal complications included: small for gestational age (28.8%), respiratory distress syndrome (51.8%), broncho-pulmonary dysplasia (10.2%), patent ductus arteriosus (12.7%), intraventricular hemorrhage (17%), periventricular leucomalacia (8.4%), retinopathy of prematurity (15.1%) and necrotizing enterocolitis in 1.2% of infants. No thrombosis was documented. The prevalence of perinatal complications and the severity of diseases were similar among infants with or without thrombophilia (p=0.564). Our data suggest that preterm infants with thrombophilia are not at increased risk for developing neonatal complications.

* Both authors contributed equally to the manuscript, as first authors from different disciplines