The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Neonatal Polycythemia

Excessive elevation of hematocrit in newborns can cause circulatory problems.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Neonatal Polycythemia?

Neonatal polycythemia is defined as a peripheral venous hematocrit of 65% or higher. It is associated with hyperviscosity syndrome and can adversely affect circulatory, central nervous system, renal and metabolic functions.

Causes include fetomaternal transfusion, twin-to-twin transfusion, delayed cord clamping, maternal diabetes, chronic intrauterine hypoxia (SGA, preeclampsia), trisomies and life at high altitude.

Clinical signs are diverse and include a plethoric appearance, feeding difficulty, lethargy, tremor, tachypnea and hypoglycemia. Severe cases may develop cerebral ischemia, necrotizing enterocolitis and renal vein thrombosis.

Symptoms

Plethoric (reddish) skin color
Feeding difficulty
Lethargy and hypotonia
Tremor and irritability
Tachypnea and cyanosis
Hypoglycemia

Risk Factors

Maternal diabetes
Preeclampsia and SGA
Fetomaternal or twin transfusion
Delayed cord clamping
Birth at high altitude
Trisomy 21, 18, 13

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When the newborn is noted to have a strikingly reddish skin color
  • When poor feeding and lethargy are added
  • When tremor, hypoglycemia or respiratory distress occurs
  • During hematocrit follow-up at the 6th hour in at-risk newborns
  • When NEC or renal vein thrombosis is suspected

Treatment Methods

01
Venous hematocrit measurement
02
Adequate fluid intake and glucose support
03
Partial exchange transfusion in symptomatic cases
04
Respiratory and hemodynamic support
05
Neurological and renal monitoring
06
Investigation of the underlying cause

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Newborn Care

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The newborn period is a critical phase that requires attentive care of the umbilical stump, temperature regulation, feeding, monitoring of jaundice and screening tests.

Vaccination Schedule

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The Turkish Ministry of Health national vaccination schedule arranges the immunization program from birth to adulthood. Timely and complete vaccination is critical in protecting community immunity.

Jaundice in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Neonatal jaundice (jaundice in newborns) presents as yellowing of the skin and eyes. The vast majority of cases are physiological and are easily treated with phototherapy.

Diarrhoea in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Acute diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more loose stools per day. In infants it is most often caused by viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus); dehydration may lead to serious complications.

Fever Management in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Fever in children (38°C and above) is the body's defense mechanism against viral or bacterial infection. Most fevers resolve spontaneously in 3-5 days; however, some conditions require urgent medical evaluation.

Cough in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Cough is the most common symptom in children and is mostly due to viral upper respiratory infections. Cough lasting more than 3 weeks or with characteristic sounds requires detailed evaluation.

Bronchiolitis

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Supportive care with hydration, nasal suctioning, and oxygen if hypoxic is the mainstay; routine bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics are not recommended per AAP/NICE guidelines.

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Croup is a viral inflammation of the larynx and trachea presenting with a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor. It mostly affects children aged 6 months to 3 years.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.