DEFINITION
Polycythemia is a condition where there is a concentration
of red blood cells is very high.
CAUSE
Polycythemia is caused by the formation of excessive red
blood cells by the bone marrow. The risk of polycythemia was found in babies:
- Postmature
- His mother suffered from high blood pressure
(hypertension)
- His mother smoked
- His mother suffered from diabetes
- Living in the mountains
The cause of polycythemia:
- The presence of low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia)
- Barriers to growth while in the womb
- The presence of blood transfusion between twins
(twin-to-twin transfusion)
- Infants receiving too much blood from the placenta during
delivery. This could happen if the newborn is placed lower than the placenta
for a few moments before the umbilical cord is clamped
SYMPTOMS
Polycythemia cause the blood to become thick and cause a
reduction in blood flow velocity when the blood through small vessels. As a
result, oxygen delivery to the tissues to be disturbed. If the disease is severe,
it can form a blood clot in the blood vessels.
Newborns with severe polycythemia has a very red skin color
or slightly blackish. Baby looks limp, weak suck reflexes, heart rate and
respiratory rate faster, and can have seizures.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and physical examination
there. May be obtained for signs of breathing problems, kidney failure, and
jaundice (yellow) in infants. On examination of blood obtained the number of
red blood cells is too much (high hematocrit value).
TREATMENT
Usually in infants who are asymptomatic do not need
treatment other than maintaining normal hydration. However, for infants who
have symptoms, need transfusion partial change, namely by removing most of the
baby's blood and replacing it with fluids through a vein in the same amount.
Thus, the red blood cells remaining could be diluted and correct polycythemia.
REFERENCE
- K, Arthur E. Polycythemia in the Newborn. Merck Manual
Handbook. 2009.
- L, Kimberly G. hyperviscosity - Newborn. Medline Plus.
2011.
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