The role of ROTEM variables based on clot elasticity and platelet component in predicting bleeding risk in thrombocytopenic critically ill neonates

Background Our aim was to investigate the role of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters, including maximum clot elasticity (MCE) and platelet component (PLTEM MCE and PLTEM MCF), in early prediction of bleeding events in thrombocytopenic critically ill neonates. Material and methods This single‐center, prospective cohort study included 110 consecutive thrombocytopenic neonates with sepsis, suspected sepsis, or hypoxia. On the first day of disease onset, ROTEM EXTEM and FIBTEM assays were performed and the neonatal bleeding assessment tool was used for the evaluation of bleeding events. Results Most EXTEM and FIBTEM ROTEM parameters significantly differed between neonates with (n = 77) and without bleeding events (n = 33). Neonates with bleeding events had significantly lower PLTEM MCE and PLTEM MCF values compared to those without bleeding events (P