MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hyperviscosity

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Hyperviscosity - newborn

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms	Exams and Tests Treatment Outlook (Prognosis) Possible Complications

Illustrations

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:

Birth defects
Delay in clamping the umbilical cord
Inherited diseases
Not enough oxygen reaching body tissues (hypoxia)

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:

Extreme sleepiness
Feeding problems
Seizures
Very ruddy (red) skin color

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:

Blood gases to check oxygen level in the blood
Blood sugar (glucose) to check for low blood sugar
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), a substance that forms when protein breaks down
Creatinine, a substance produced by muscles that can build up in the blood if the kidneys aren't working properly
Urinalysis

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:

Death of intestinal tissue (necrotizing enterocolitis)
Decreased fine motor control
Kidney failure
Seizures
Strokes

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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