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Hyperviscosity - Newborn
Alternate Names : Neonatal Polycythemia
Definition Hyperviscosity is when blood flow is slowed and blocked because there are too many red blood cells in an infant's blood.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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.
The high percentage of RBCs blocks the flow of blood in the smallest capillaries. This leads to tissue death from lack of oxygen. This blocked blood flow can affect all organs, such as the kidneys, lungs, and brain.
Infants with hyperviscosity may develop feeding problems, cyanosis, low blood sugar, jaundice, and other more serious findings.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Hypoglycemia
• Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Tests & Exams
• BUN
• CBC
• CHEM-20
• Creatinine - Serum
• Hematocrit (HCT)
• Urinalysis
Other Topics
• Fatigue
• Fine Motor Control
• Jaundice - Yellow Skin
• Rapid Deep Breathing (Hyperventilation)
• Seizures
• Skin Discoloration - Bluish
Review Date : 4/15/2003
Reviewed 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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