Prothrombin Deficiency of the Newborn

Abstract

Summary

1. Evidence is presented indicating that the prolonged prothrombin times observed in the plasmas of newborn infants, studied by the one stage technic, cannot be adequately explained as a simple deficiency of pro thromlbin.

2. Although there may be some diminution of prothrombin, it appears that the plasma of the newborn is deficient in a factor accelerating conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. The deficiency of this factor is remedied by the addition of small amounts of normal plasma, stored plasma or serum.