Neonatal thrombocytopenia: A review. II. Non-immune thrombocytopenia; platelet transfusion.

Non-immune thrombocytopenia is caused by multiple pathologies; the most common causes are extra- or intrauterine infections, whereas secondary cases result from other pathologies involved in the fetal-placentalmaternal interface. This second article lists its causes and provides details of the different pathologies. Platelet transfusion is widely used in neonatology, both as treatment and as bleeding prophylaxis. However, there is no general consensus about the platelet count threshold that is convenient to indicate a transfusion or actual indications. Recent articles are commented regarding the different proposed strategies. The emphasis is on discussing the multiple adverse effects of platelet transfusions because knowledge about them is changing the paradigm for indications, suggesting that a much more restrictive policy is required.