Prevalence and Associated Factors of Thrombocytopenia Among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Northwest Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022

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