Neonatal symptomatic thromboembolism in Germany: two year survey.

AIMS To determine the incidence of neonatal thromboembolism in Germany. METHODS Diagnostic imaging techniques, therapeutic modalities, and short term outcome were evaluated in a prospective nationwide two year case registry study. RESULTS The reported incidence of symptomatic neonatal thromboembolism, diagnosed in most cases with Doppler ultrasonography, was 5.1 per 100000 births, with a total of 79 cases registered: renal venous thrombosis (n = 35); venous thrombosis (n = 25); and arterial vascular occlusion (n = 19). Fifty seven of 79 thromboses were associated with additional risk factors (central line n = 25, asphyxia n = 13, septicaemia n = 11, dehydration n = 6, maternal diabetes n = 2, cardiac disease n = 1). Inherited thrombophilia was also diagnosed in seven out of 35 cases investigated. Twenty three children received supportive treatment: 42 received heparin and in 13 neonates thrombolytic agents were administered. Most neonates (91%) survived; seven died. CONCLUSION Controlled multicentre studies are needed to obtain more information on treatment efficacy.