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Hyperviscosity - newborn - Treatment

Alternative Names

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.

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

Blood cells

Reviewed last on: 6/17/2011
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.

Fine motor control

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