Jeevasankar, MAgarwal, RameshChawla, DeepakPaul, Vinod KDeorari, Ashok K2008-01-052009-05-302008-01-052009-05-302008-01-05Jeevasankar M, Agarwal R, Chawla D, Paul VK, Deorari AK. Polycythemia in the newborn. Indian Journal of Pediatrics. 2008 Jan; 75(1): 68-72http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/8031918 references.Polycythemia is defined as a venous hematocrit of over 65%. 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. 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 polycythemia-hyperviscosity syndrome may affect all organ systems and this entity should be screened for in high-risk infants. Polycythemia may or may not be symptomatic and guidelines for management of both the types based on the current evidence are provided in the protocol.engBlood ViscosityColloids --administration & dosageDrug Therapy, CombinationHematocritHemodynamicsHumansIncidenceIndia --epidemiologyInfant, NewbornInfant, Newborn, Diseases --diagnosisIsotonic Solutions --administration & dosagePolycythemia --diagnosisJournal Article