ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Blood Coagulation , Hemostasis , Adult , Child , Humans , Infant, NewbornABSTRACT
Not required for Clinical Vignette.
Subject(s)
Thyroid Gland/diagnostic imaging , Thyroid Gland/surgery , Thyroid Nodule/diagnostic imaging , Thyroid Nodule/surgery , Adolescent , Female , Humans , Hyperthyroidism/etiology , Thyroid Gland/pathology , Thyroid Nodule/pathology , Thyrotropin/blood , Thyroxine/bloodABSTRACT
Not required for Clinical Vignette.
