Management of Polycythemia in Neonates.
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Date
2010-10
Journal Title
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Volume Title
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Abstract
Polycythemia is defined as a venous hematocrit
above 65%. The hematocrit in a newborn peaks at
2 h of age and decreases gradually after that. The
relationship between hematocrit and viscosity is almost
linear till 65% and exponential thereafter. Increased
viscosity of blood is associated with symptoms of
hypo-perfusion. Clinical features related to hyperviscosity
may affect all organ systems. Neonates born small for
gestational age (SGA), infants of diabetic mothers
(IDM), and multiple births are at risk for polycythemia.
They should therefore undergo screening at 2, 12, and
24 h of age. Polycythemia may be symptomatic or
asymptomatic and guidelines for the management of both
types based on the current evidence are provided in the
protocol.
Description
Keywords
Polycythemia, Blood viscosity, Newborn, Therapy
Citation
Sankar M Jeeva, Agarwal Ramesh, Deorari Ashok, Paul Vinod K. Management of Polycythemia in Neonates. Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 2010 Oct; 77 (10): 1117-1121.