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Alternative names Return to top
Neonatal polycythemiaDefinition Return to top
Hyperviscosity is when blood flow is slowed and blocked because there are too many red blood cells in an infant's blood.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Hyperviscosity results 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 hypoxia, inherited diseases, and birth defects.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
A percentage of RBCs above 65% may be treated by raising the volume of body fluids or administering reduction transfusions, both of which can prevent the complications of hyperviscosity.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outlook is good in infants with mild hyperviscosity and in those with severe hyperviscosity that receive treatment.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if this condition is diagnosed at birth and you have additional questions.Prevention Return to top
Newborn infants are routinely monitored for their RBC levels. (The test is called a hematocrit). This enables quick detection of the condition. Update Date: 4/15/2003 Updated by: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |