Abstract
Polycythemia is defined as a venous hematocrit above 65%. The relationship between viscosity and hematocrit is almost linear till 65% and exponential thereafter. Increased viscosity of blood is associated with symptoms of hypo-perfusion. 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. Clinical features related to hyperviscosity may affect all organ systems and this entity should be screened for in high-risk infants. Polycythemia maybe symptomatic or asymptomatic and guidelines for management of both types are provided in the protocol.
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Upadhyay, A., Aggarwal, R., Deorari, A.K. et al. Polycythemia in the newborn. Indian J Pediatr 69, 79–82 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02723782
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02723782