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Hyperviscosity - newborn

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Illustrations

Blood cells
Blood cells

Alternative Names    Return to top

Neonatal polycythemia

Definition    Return to top

Hyperviscosity of the newborn is the slowing and blockage of blood flow that results when there are too many red blood cells in an infant's blood.

Causes    Return to top

Hyperviscosity can occur when the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in the infant's blood is greater than 65%. This may result from various conditions that develop before birth, such as:

The extra RBCs block the flow of blood in the smallest blood vessels. This leads to tissue death from lack of oxygen. This blocked blood flow can affect all organs, including the kidneys, lungs, and brain.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms may include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

There may be signs of breathing problems, kidney failure, and newborn jaundice.

If the baby has symptoms of hyperviscosity, a blood test to count the number of red blood cells will be done. This test is called a hematocrit.

Other tests may include:

Treatment    Return to top

The baby will be monitored for complications of hyperviscosity. If needed, an exchange transfusion will be done to lower the amount of red blood cells that are moving through the baby's blood vessels.

Other treatment may include increasing body fluids.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outlook is good for infants with mild hyperviscosity and those who receive treatment for severe hyperviscosity.

Some children may have mild changes in neurological development. Parents who believe their child may show any signs of developmental delay should contact their health care provider.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Complications may include:

Update Date: 9/26/2007

Updated by: Deirdre O’Reilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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