Neonatal symptomatic thromboembolism in Germany: two year survey.
OBJECTIVE
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 100000 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.


CONCLUSIONS
Controlled multicentre studies are needed to obtain more information on treatment efficacy.
Nowak-Göttl
U
U
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Münster, Germany.
von Kries
R
R
Göbel
U
U
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin