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DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1297163
Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants: Coagulation Perspectives
Publication History
Publication Date:
20 December 2011 (online)

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