Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Thrombocytopenia is one of the most frequent hematological problems that
occurred in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Neonates with
thrombocytopenia are more likely to experience the most serious consequence of significant
bleeding, particularly brain hemorrhage, but less was known about the prevalence of
thrombocytopenia and associated factors among neonates, especially in Ethiopia.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with
thrombocytopenia among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Northwest
Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022
Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from October 05 to
November 03, 2022, and a systematic random sampling technique was used to select 423 study
participants. Data were collected by interviewing mothers and reviewing neonates' medical
records. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6.0 and exported to STATA version 14 for
analysis. Descriptive statistics were done and results were presented in the form of tables and
texts. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used for analysis.
Adjusted Odds Ratios with a 95% confidence interval were calculated and those variables with a
P value of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Result: A total of 415 neonate-mother pairs were involved with a response rate of 98.1%. The
prevalence of thrombocytopenia among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit was
found to be 26.02%; [95% CI: (22.01%, 30.48%)]. In the multivariable analysis severe preeclampsia
[AOR: 2.84; 95%CI: (1.29 6.27)], prolonged rupture of membrane [AOR: 2.85;
95%CI: (1.21 6.72)], neonatal sepsis [AOR: 6.50; 95%CI: (3.58 11.79)], perinatal asphyxia
[AOR: 4.15; 95%CI: (1.97 8.76)], and necrotizing enterocolitis [AOR: 3.71; 95%CI: (1.68
8.19)] were factors significantly associated with neonatal thrombocytopenia.
Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of neonatal thrombocytopenia among
neonates was found to be slightly high. To decrease the prevalence of neonatal thrombocytopenia,
special attention should be given to neonates diagnosed with sepsis, perinatal asphyxia,
necrotizing enterocolitis, and mothers who had prolonged rupture of membrane or severe preeclampsia.
Keywords:
Neonate,
Thrombocytopenia,
NICU,
Comprehensive
Specialized
Hospitals,
Ethiopia
