Background: The hemostatic system is complex and evolves continuously since gestation and well into the adult years, in a process known as "developmental hemostasis."
Data sources: A comprehensive review was performed after an extensive literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE concerning developmental hemostasis during the neonatal period. Relevant cross references were also included.
Results: Although part of a system, each component of the hemostatic system evolves differently, with many displaying both quantitative and qualitative age-related differences. This leads to drastic disparities between the coagulation system of neonates and both other children's and adults', while still maintaining a generally balanced and physiological hemostasis. The motives behind this process remain to be fully elucidated but may be, at least in part, related to non-hemostatic factors.
Conclusions: Knowledge regarding "developmental hemostasis" is essential for everyone caring for newborns or even children in general and in this review, we describe each hemostatic system component's neonatal characteristics and age-related progression as well as explore some of the possible physiological motives behind the process.
Keywords: Coagulation factors; Developmental hemostasis; Hemostasis; Newborn; Platelets.
© 2021. Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine.