This research project is studying the causes for low platelet levels in preterm infants. Platelets are a component of blood that helps with clotting. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the cause for low platelet levels is the same in infants who are born to mothers with preeclampsia and infants who are small for gestational age.
Thrombocytopenia is a common entity in infants who are born to mothers with preeclampsia and in infants who are small for gestational age. There have been several theories to the mechanism underlying thrombocytopenia in these groups of patients. One mechanism suggests that thrombocytopenia in these populations may be secondary to underproduction of platelets. Other studies have implied that low platelet levels may be due to endothelial activation causing platelet consumption. This study is being performed to help determine the mechanism causing thrombocytopenia in infants born to mothers with preeclampsia and comparing it to the mechanism of thrombocytopenia in infants who are small for gestational age.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
30
Cord blood will be obtained at the time of delivery.
Christiana Care Health Systems
Newark, Delaware, United States
To determine the mechanism of thrombocytopenia in small for gestational age infants versus infants with maternal preeclampsia exposure
Time frame: Each infant will only be enrolled during the time of birth until cord blood is collected.
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