Abstract:Objective To study the correlation between coagulation function and gestational age in preterm infants and the possible value of coagulation function measurement in predicting hemorrhagic diseases. Methods The clinical data of preterm infants who were hospitalized between September 2016 and August 2017 were collected. The coagulation indicators were measured within 2 hours after birth. According to the gestational age, the preterm infants were divided into late preterm infant group (n=322), early preterm infant group (n=241) and extremely/very early preterm infant group (n=128). Coagulation function was compared among the three groups, as well as between the preterm infants with and without hemorrhagic diseases within 3 days after birth. Results There were significant differences in thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) and D-dimer (DD) among the three groups (P < 0.05). APTT, PT, FDP and DD were negatively correlated with gestational age, while TT was positively correlated with gestational age (P < 0.05). The preterm infants with hemorrhagic diseases had a longer APTT and a higher level of DD (P < 0.05). Conclusions Coagulation function gradually becomes mature in preterm infants with the increase in gestational age. Abnormal APTT and DD indicate that preterm infants may have a higher risk of hemorrhagic diseases.