Polycythemia in the newborn.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2002-01-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
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.
Description
18 references.
Keywords
Citation
Upadhyay A, Aggarwal R, Deorari AK, Paul VK. Polycythemia in the newborn. Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 2002 Jan; 69(1): 79-82