Summary

The incidence of stroke is reported to be 28 in 100.000 live births. All age groups show an unexplained male predominance. Of the two types of cerebral stroke, arterial ischaemic stroke and (sino-)venous thrombosis, the arterial one is most frequent (1, 2). Non-invasive methods such as ultrasound, computerized-tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect these thrombotic events in the brain (3, 4). Etiologic (genetic or acquired) factors predisposing to thrombosis may shift the haemostatic balance towards elevated procoagulant activity resulting in a hypercoagulable state that predisposes to venous or arterial thrombosis. Lower concentrations of antithrombin, protein S and C, along with reduced fibrinolytic capacity, put neonates at greater risk of thromboembolic complications than older children (5).