Abstract

While many asphyxiated newborn are admitted to the hospital with bleeding problems, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) develops in some cases during follow-up. Although it is known that the basic principle in the treatment of DIC is to correct the underlying problem, diagnosis in pre-DIC is the most important factor in the success of treatment. Various studies and animal experiments show that there are some changes in coagulation factors before DIC develops. One of these changes is the reduction of antithrombin III (AT III) levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of AT III levels with DIC in asphyxiated infants. Fifty infants exposed to various degrees of asphyxia in the first hours following birth and 20 healthy infants born without complications were included in the study. In both groups, AT III, PT, PTT, D dimer levels and platelet counts were studied during the first 12 hours after birth. Early AT III values ​​of developing and non-developing infants with DIC were compared and the value of AT III early diagnosis of DIC was investigated. Asphyxiated infants had lower levels of AT III and platelet counts and significantly higher PT, PTT and D dimer levels than control group. The initial AT III levels (14.01 ± 5.11) of the infants with DIC were significantly lower than those without DIC (19.03 ± 2.74) (P <0.05). The D dimer height ratio was 100% in the developing group, 55% in the non-developing group, and the difference was significant. No significant difference was found between PT, PTT and platelet counts of two groups. As a result; the AT III levels in asphyxiated infants are lower than in healthy infants and the AT III level determination in asphyxiated infants with DIK suspicion may be indicative of the pre-DIC status together with D dimer levels.

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