Elsevier

Early Human Development

Volume 4, Issue 4, December 1980, Pages 393-403
Early Human Development

The management of polycythaemia in the newborn infant

https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-3782(80)90044-4Get rights and content

Abstract

The management of polycythaemia with hyperviscosity in newborn babies who are clinically well, or who only have minor signs, is not clear. Forty-nine such babies were randomly divided so that 24 were given a partial plasma exchange transfustion and the others were left hyperviscous. The babies were compared with normal controls. Clinical signs were more frequent in exchanged babies, and one developed necrotizing entercolitis. Of the hyperviscous babies 41% had plethoric lungs, 12% abnormal electrocardiograms, 9% were hypocalcaemic and 30% hypomagnesaemic. Behavioural testing after birth revealed differences in both groups when compared with controls. There were more poor scores in the exchange transfusion group. Neurological examination did not reveal marked differences among the groups.

Developmental and neurological achievement at 8 mth of age was normal in all the babies. In the present study it is suggested that newborn babies with hyperviscosity who are clinically well or who only have minor signs do not necessarily benefit from partial plasma exchange transfusion.

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