Factors Affecting Treatment Response of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Pretem Infants

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC) occurs most frequently in premature infants. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influencing factors in treatment of DIC among premature infants. METHODS: A retrospective chart review for 41 premature infants who were admitted to Pochun CHA University neonatal intensive care unit between May 2001 and July 2002 was done. Infants were divided into two groups depending upon their response in improvement of symptoms and laboratory values occurring within or after 72 hours of initiation of therapy. A comparative analysis of various parameter to delineate influencing factors affecting treatment outcome was studied. RESULTS: The factors related to delayed response in treatment of DIC between early response group (19) and late response group (22) included male, low birth weight, severe birth asphyxia, prolongation of prothrombin time, petechiae and oozing of puncture site. CONCLUSION: Awareness of factors associated with delayed response in treatment of DIC may aid in prediction of treatment outcome among premature infants with DIC.