Seminars in perinatology
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Infants with platelet counts below 100,000/mm3 should be evaluated for the cause of the thrombocytopenia. A maternal history to determine previous illnesses and particularly thrombocytopenia, drugs taken, and perinatal complications is important, and a maternal platelet count must be obtained. Physical examination of the infant is revealing in the TAR and giant cavernous hemangioma syndromes and may suggest intrauterine infection. ⋯ In ill infants treatment of the underlying problem often results in resolution of the thrombocytopenia. Transfusions should be used for the bleeding child and for the infant with severe thrombocytopenia who is the product of a vaginal delivery. In addition to being therapeutic, platelet transfusions may also assist in diagnosis.