P60: Disseminated intravascular coagulation of fetus and newborn

Platelets and various clotting proteins in the blood are involved in blood clotting. The platelets can adhere to one another in such a way that they stop a bleed. The clotting proteins stabilize the platelets that have stuck together. This enables wounds to heal, for example.

While in the womb or shortly after the birth, blood clots can form in the child's tiny blood vessels. The blood clots can block the tiny blood vessels. The affected organs then no longer get an adequate supply of oxygen and they get damaged. If a lot of blood clots form, a lot of clotting proteins get used up for the clotting too. When there are then only a few clotting proteins in the blood, the child can start to bleed more easily. It may also bleed more heavily than usual.

There are many reasons why blood clots form in the child's tiny blood vessels during its time in the womb or around the time of birth. This can occur in the case of a disorder caused by pathogens or of blood poisoning, for example. The child may then be seriously ill. The formation of blood clots can also be triggered by a lack of oxygen and by circulatory problems.