Study found to determine the cause of neonatal stroke

Scientists have discovered an important cause of stroke in the womb or after birth, paving the way for new treatments

This study found that low levels of platelets (a small blood cell that can clot), whether in the womb or in a newborn, can cause bleeding in the brain

The research led by Dr.

Research summary:

• Researchers have found in preclinical models that platelets play a vital role in the brains of fetuses and newborns

  
  

• Studies have found that low platelet counts can cause bleeding in the brain, whether in the womb or in newborns

  
  

• By understanding the causes of these strokes, researchers hope to find ways to prevent neurological diseases, such as cerebral palsy

  
  

Neonatal stroke is linked to thrombocytopenia

Platelets are tiny blood cells that help blood clot

"Thrombocytopenia" refers to the reduction of platelets, if blood vessels have been damaged, it will cause heavy bleeding

Dr.

"We have established a clear link between low platelets and cerebral hemorrhage

Dr.

She said: "In the past, it was thought that platelets were not needed in the early stages of development, but this study proves that platelets play a key role in this period

"We are now trying to understand exactly when platelets become important during fetal development so that we can monitor and treat this condition during pregnancy

Improve pregnancy monitoring and treatment

Dr.
Taoudi said that there is still much to be discovered in the treatment of fetal and neonatal thrombocytopenia
.

"We know how to treat low platelet counts in adults, but we are not yet sure whether these treatments are effective for infants.
This is a problem we hope to solve in future studies
.
" There have been attempts to inject platelets into the fetus, but The benefits of this highly invasive surgery are unclear," he said
.

"Our next step is to determine the optimal window of treatment during pregnancy to prevent these strokes
.
"

Dr.
Taoudi said he hopes this discovery will improve screening and treatment during pregnancy and shortly after birth
.

He said: "The question we are looking for now is how low the platelets need to be before a problem occurs
.
"

"At the moment, we don't know what the normal platelet count of an unborn baby or newborn is, so it is important for us to understand this before we can treat this condition
.
"

Prevent serious neurological diseases

The main funder of this research is the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation
.
In Australia, one in 700 newborns is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which is suspected to be one of the conditions caused by fetal stroke
.

Dr.
Farley said: "By understanding the causes of stroke, we hope to find ways to prevent neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy
.
"

DOI

10.
1182 / blood.
2020010111

Severe thrombocytopenia is sufficient for fetal and neonatal intra-cerebral hemorrhage to occur