Prematurity Problems: Anaemia

Description

Anaemia is where there are too few red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. This condition in neonates may be due to various factors. Anaemia does not always need to be treated if it is not severe and if the baby is not sick or having frequent laboratory tests (e.g. where blood is taken from the baby). Eventually the baby will make more red blood cells of his/her own accord. If treatment is necessary, it usually involves blood transfusions. [ 1 ]

Polycythemia , defined as a venous hematocrit of greater than 65%, is a relatively common disorder. The primary concern with polycythemia relates to hyperviscosity (thick blood, which slows down blood flow) and its associated complications. Polycythemia occurs in 0.4-12% of neonates (U.S. figures). It is more common in small for gestational age (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) infants. The majority of infants with polycythemia, however, are appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Infants of diabetic mothers have a greater than 40% incidence, and those born to gestational diabetics have a greater than 30% incidence. [ 2 ]

For further, more detailed information on this topic, please refer to the reference source for this page.

The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken from the following source(s):
1. University of Wisconsin and The Center For Perinatal Care at Meriter Hospital Madison, Wisconsin: http://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/patientcare/preemies/
2. eMedicine World Medical Library: http://www.emedicine.com/