ABSTRACT
The neonatal period is a time of rapid flux and hematological problems that present during this time as a result of a genetic defect, immaturity or stress and present a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the neonatologist and hematologist alike. The recent explosion in molecular biological techniques has allowed the elucidation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that give rise to the disorders of platelets, coagulation proteins, and red cells that present in the newborn. Because of the space allotted it is hoped that this chapter will give the reader a broad understanding and appreciation of the major hematological disorders seen in the neonatal period, especially those involving platelets and clotting proteins.
