Decreased fibrinogen levels are associated with severe intraventricular hemorrhage in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants

Reference ranges for coagulation screens in preterm infants were formulated in the 1980s. Preterm infants are at risk of hypocoagulable states due to hepatic immaturity, hypoxia, respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. Coagulation profiles of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants were assessed and adverse outcomes recorded. A total of 32 VLBW infants had coagulation studies in the first week of life. Fibrinogen was significantly decreased on the third day of life in infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) compared with those with no or mild IVH. Further research on VLBW coagulation profiles may become easier with the development of point-of-care technology.