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Semin Thromb Hemost 2011; 37(7): 730-736
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1297163
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants: Coagulation Perspectives

Amir A. Kuperman1 , 2 , Gili Kenet3 , 4 , Emmanuel Papadakis5 , Benjamin Brenner2 , 6
  • 1Pediatric Hematology Clinic, Thrombosis and Hemostasis Service, Institute of Hematology, Western Galilee Hospital, Naharriya, Israel
  • 2The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, Haifa, Israel
  • 3Thrombosis Unit, National Hemophilia Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
  • 4Sackler Faculty of Medicine, University of Tel-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Israel
  • 5Hemostasis Unit, Department of Hematology, Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • 6Thrombosis and Hemostasis Unit, Institute of Hematology, Rambam Medical Center, Israel
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
20 December 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

It has long been considered that a severe coagulation deficiency in premature newborns could be a major contributing factor in the occurrence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). High-grade IVH has also been shown to coincide with severe derangement of coagulation in extremely low birth weight infants. This review focuses on the relevance of the physiologically developing immature hemostatic system to IVH, and the potential benefit of agents affecting hemostasis for IVH therapy or prevention in preterm infants. The findings of small, open-label interventional studies on the effect of ethamsylate, vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma, recombinant activated factor VII, and prothrombin complex concentrate on the premature coagulation system will be reviewed.

KEYWORDS

Intraventricular hemorrhage - prematurity - vitamin K - recombinant factor VIIa - thrombin

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Gili KenetM.D. 

Professor - Hematology, Thrombosis Unit, National Hemophilia Center

Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel

Email: Gili.kenet@sheba.health.gov.il

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