Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Neonatal polycythemia
Treatment
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.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
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.
Complications
Complications may include:
- Death of intestinal tissue (necrotizing enterocolitis)
- Decreased fine motor control
- Kidney failure
- Seizures
- Strokes
Images
Previous Section
Review Date: 06/17/2011
Reviewed By: Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics,
Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina,
Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
