Neonatal symptomatic thromboembolism in Germany: two year survey
- aDepartments of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Münster, bUniversity Hospital of Munich, cUniversity Hospital of Düsseldorf
- Dr Ulrike Nowak-Göttl Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, University Children’s Hospital, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Albert-Schweitzer- Str. 33, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
- Accepted 2 January 1997
Abstract
AIMS To determine the incidence of neonatal thromboembolism in Germany.
METHODS Diagnostic imaging techniques, therapeutic modalities, and short term outcome were evaluated in a prospective nationwide two year case registry study.
RESULTS The reported incidence of symptomatic neonatal thromboembolism, diagnosed in most cases with Doppler ultrasonography, was 5.1 per 100 000 births, with a total of 79 cases registered: renal venous thrombosis (n=35); venous thrombosis (n=25); and arterial vascular occlusion (n=19). Fifty seven of 79 thromboses were associated with additional risk factors (central line n=25, asphyxia n=13, septicaemia n=11, dehydration n=6, maternal diabetes n=2, cardiac disease n=1). Inherited thrombophilia was also diagnosed in seven out of 35 cases investigated. Twenty three children received supportive treatment: 42 received heparin and in 13 neonates thrombolytic agents were administered. Most neonates (91%) survived; seven died.
CONCLUSION Controlled multicentre studies are needed to obtain more information on treatment efficacy.
