[Haemostasis in premature and newborn babies (author's transl)].

The mechanisms involved in haemostasis develop early in gestational life. Vessel wall contractility, platelets and increasing activity of coagulation and fibrinolysis have been found as early as the tenth week of gestational age. The development is not completed at birth and lasts throughout the first year of life. Mainly impaired platelet function and lower activity of coagulation factors differ from findings in older children and adults. Despite these in vitro differences, mature newborn babies appear to have a well functioning haemostasis.