Immunological and clinical characteristics of severe thrombocytopenia in neonates with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon - Report - MDSpire

Immunological and clinical characteristics of severe thrombocytopenia in neonates with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon

  • By

  • Cancan Li

  • Yang Li

  • Yan Huang

  • Yuanyuan Gao

  • Lili Li

  • Jinhui Hu

  • Ting Feng

  • Zhenhong Zhu

  • Haifeng Geng

  • June 29, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Immunological Profiles and Clinical Features of Severe Thrombocytopenia in Neonates Diagnosed with Kasabach–Merritt Phenomenon

Overview

This study characterizes the immune profile of neonates with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) and identifies clinical features associated with severe thrombocytopenia. Key findings include immunological abnormalities and independent risk factors for severe thrombocytopenia.

Background

Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is a rare coagulopathy linked to vascular tumors, particularly in infants. Severe thrombocytopenia is a hallmark of KMP, leading to significant bleeding risks and complications. Understanding the immune profile and clinical features of KMP is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Data Highlights

ParameterSevere Group (n=13)Non-Severe Group (n=19)Controls
CD3+CD4+ ProportionLowerHigherNormal
CD3−CD19+ ProportionLowerHigherNormal
IgG LevelsLowerHigherNormal
Lymphocytes Percentage (L%)HigherLowerNormal
Ferritin LevelsHigherLowerNormal
Prolonged APTTYesNoNormal

Key Findings

  • KMP neonates exhibited reduced CD3+CD4+ and CD3−CD19+ proportions compared to controls.
  • Lower IgG levels were observed in KMP neonates.
  • The severe KMP group had larger lesion diameters and higher levels of lymphocytes percentage, PCT, CKMB, and ferritin.
  • Prolonged APTT and elevated ferritin were identified as independent risk factors for severe thrombocytopenia.
  • Complete remission was achieved in 78.1% of KMP neonates.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the independent risk factors for severe thrombocytopenia, which may guide treatment decisions.

Conclusion

Neonates with KMP demonstrate significant immunological abnormalities, with specific factors associated with severe thrombocytopenia.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Congenital hemangiomas with transient neonatal thrombocytopenia: case reports and review of the literature
  2. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2026 -- Multisystem Hemorrhage in a Very Preterm Infant Born to a Mother with Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report and Literature Review
  3. JAMA Network Open -- Factors Associated With Thromboembolism in Neonates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  4. The VASCERN-VASCA diagnostic and management pathways for kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, 2025
  5. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Fifteen years of pediatric immune thrombocytopenia in a national cohort: chronicity, diagnostic challenges, and treatment patterns—single center experience
  6. The VASCERN-VASCA diagnostic and management pathways for kaposiform hemangioendothelioma
  7. Sirolimus plus prednisolone vs sirolimus monotherapy for kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: a randomized clinical trial | Blood | American Society of Hematology

Original Source(s)

Related Content