Coagulation abnormalities associated with localized hemorrhage in the neonate.

Serial coagulation studies were completed on six neonates with apparent or inapparent localized hemorrhage. The sites of the hemorrhages were intracranial (2), gastrointestinal (2), subperiosteal (1), and pulmonary (1). The studies revealed an increased factor VIII level, decreased platelet count, and a short PTT. Since similar findings occur in disseminated intravascular coagulation, it is possible that coagulation abnormalities associated with localized hemorrhage result from similar mechanisms. These observations suggest that occult and clinically unrecognized hemorrhage can be suspected by serial coagulation studies of sick infants.