How To Assess Prothrombin Activity Percentile? Normal Rate? Effect On Baby? Medication Required?
Hi,
Thanks for the query.
"Prothrombin" is a factor that is produced by the liver. Prothrombin plasma levels are around 30% of adult values at birth. They gradually increase to 80% by 3 months of age. Adult level is reached late puberty. Accordingly prothrombin activity which is proportional to the levels is considered borderline low when under 60%.
That being said prothrombin activity is well understood / interpreted using another blood test called "Prothrombin Time" (PT) and "International Normalized Ratio" (INR). This is useful and helps clinician worldwide to decide on the treatment.
If the preterm baby is asymptomatic, we may consider waiting for a few more months (3 - 6 months) and get the test including PT / INR values done. The treating pediatrician or hematologist can guide through the test. Further course of action can then be decided depending on those values. Vitamin K supplements and fresh plasma concentrates can be given if the values are grossly abnormal.
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Best wishes