Hematopoiesis is a process constantly evolving from fetal life through adulthood. Neonates present with qualitative and quantitative differences in hematological parameters compared to older children and adults, reflecting developmental changes in hematopoiesis correlated with gestational age. Such differences are more intense for preterm and small-for-gestational-age neonates or neonates with intrauterine growth restriction. This review article is aimed at describing the hematologic differences among neonatal subgroups and the major underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Issues that should be taken into account when interpreting neonatal hematological parameters are also highlighted.
Keywords: Hematological parameters; Hematopoiesis; Intrauterine growth restriction; Neonates; Small for gestational age neonates.
© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.