Polycythemia in the newborn

Indian J Pediatr. 2002 Jan;69(1):79-82. doi: 10.1007/BF02723782.

Abstract

Polycythemia is defined as a venous hematocrit above 65%. The relationship between viscosity and hematocrit is almost linear till 65% and exponential thereafter. Increased viscosity of blood is associated with symptoms of hypo-perfusion. The hematocrit in a newborn peaks at 2 hours of age and decreases gradually after that. The etiology of polycythemia is related either to intra-uterine hypoxia or secondary to fetal transfusion. Clinical features related to hyperviscosity may affect all organ systems and this entity should be screened for in high-risk infants. Polycythemia maybe symptomatic or asymptomatic and guidelines for management of both types are provided in the protocol.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Viscosity
  • Hematocrit
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Polycythemia / diagnosis*
  • Polycythemia / epidemiology
  • Polycythemia / etiology
  • Polycythemia / therapy*