NEONATAL HEMATOLOGIC CYTOLOGY - MORPHOLOGIC STANDARDS AND VARIANTS

AbstractNeonatal hematologic cytology is characterized by significant age-dependent physiological variations related to gestational maturity and postnatal adaptation. Premature newborns frequently present quantitative and morphological abnormalities affecting red blood cells, leukocytes, and platelets. Red blood cell disorders include membrane defects, hemoglobinopathies, and enzymatic deficiencies such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Leukocyte abnormalities reflect immature immune function and may reveal congenital metabolic or lysosomal storage diseases. Platelet counts in neonates range from 150 to 600 × 10⁹/L, with thrombocytopenia defined below 150 × 10⁹/L. Several inherited platelet disorders are observed, including Gray Platelet Syndrome, characterized by α-granule deficiency, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding tendency. Understanding neonatal hematologic morphology is essential for early diagnosis of congenital and acquired disorders.KeywordsNeonatal hematology, neonatal cytology, premature newborn, erythropoiesis, leukopoiesis, thrombocytopenia, inherited platelet disorders, Gray Platelet Syndrome, lysosomal storage diseases, G6PD deficiency, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, neonatal hemostasis.DOI : 10.6084/m9.figshare.31261309