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Semin Thromb Hemost 2003; 29(4): 329-338
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42584
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Developmental Hemostasis: Pro- and Anticoagulant Systems during Childhood

Stefan Kuhle1 , Christoph Male2 , Lesley Mitchell3
  • 1Research Fellow Hospital for Sick Children Population Health Sciences Toronto, Ontario Canada
  • 2Children's Hospital University of Vienna Vienna, Austria
  • 3Hospital for Sick Children, Population Health Sciences, Toronto Ontario, Canada
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
30 September 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

An understanding of developmental hemostasis is pivotal for optimal prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hemostatic problems during childhood. The development of microassays in the early 1980s enabled researchers to delineate age-dependent features of the coagulation system and to establish reference ranges for healthy children of all age groups, from premature infants to adolescents. Based on the results from these studies, the hemostatic system in the young can be described as evolving, and yet functional, since healthy fetuses, infants, and children do not suffer hemorrhagic nor thromboembolic complications spontaneously or in the presence of minor challenges. Plasma concentrations of most pro- and anticoagulant proteins are decreased throughout childhood but provide an effective hemostatic balance on a lower level compared with adults. The current article describes the development of pro- and anticoagulant systems throughout childhood.

KEYWORDS

Coagulation - newborn - children - review

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