Thrombocytopenia, a common hematologic threat to neonates, can induce severe complications including intracranial hemorrhage, particular to those premature infants with coexisting conditions. Although some nations have endeavored to understand the disease, valuable data is still scarce, especially in resource-constrained environments such as Ethiopia.
A research assigned to the Northwestern Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Ethiopia, undertook an institution-based cross-sectional study entailing a selection of 423 neonates, adopting systematic random sampling techniques. The primary goal was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors associated with neonatal thrombocytopenia. Data were gathered via mother interviews and perusal of the neonates’ medical records.
Of the 415 neonate-mother pair responses secured, they indicated a substantial 26.02% prevalence of thrombocytopenia in neonates admitted into the intensive care unit. Factors that contributed a significant bearing on thrombocytopenia were severe pre-eclampsia, prolonged rupture of the membrane, neonatal sepsis, perinatal asphyxia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Neonatal thrombocytopenia is a grave hematological issue seen in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care units, significantly for those prematurely born.
In addition to the WHO’s recommendation for improving newborn care services, it is necessary to focus on neonates diagnosed with sepsis, perinatal asphyxia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and mothers who had prolonged rupture of membrane or severe pre-eclampsia to curb the prevalence of neonatal thrombocytopenia. Despite a lack of attention, thrombocytopenia can result in severe health complications. Minimal information exists to demonstrate the associated factors and prevalence of neonatal thrombocytopenia in Ethiopia, thereby necessitating a thorough examination to deliver actionable insights to alleviate the problem.