Haematological conditions in newborns

Question 1

Anaemia

Answer 1

venous haemoglobin value of < 13g/dl in a term neonate

Question 2

Polycythaemia

Answer 2

for term infants
haemoglobin > 22 g/dl or haematocrit > 65%
results in hyper viscosity of blood due to increased number of RBC’s

Question 3

Causes of Polycythaemia

Answer 3

twin to twin transfusion 
delayed cord clamping 
placental insufficiency 
post maturity 
maternal smoking
infant of a diabetic mother 
trisomy 21

Question 4

Symptoms of Polycythaemia

Answer 4

Restlessness 
Plethora 
Acrocyanosis 
Poor feeding 
Hypoglycaemia 
Systemic thrombosis 
Persistent pulmonary hypertension

Question 5

Treatment of polycythaemia

Answer 5

partial volume exchange transfusion with normal saline is indicated for symptomatic infants and some with haematocrit of > 70%