Hyperviscosity - newborn

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Blood cells

Hyperviscosity is the slowing and blockage of blood flow caused by too many red blood cells in an infant's blood.

Neonatal polycythemia

Hyperviscosity occurs 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, birth defects, or a delay in clamping the umbilical cord.

The excess 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, such as the kidneys, lungs, and brain.

Infants with hyperviscosity may develop feeding problems, cyanosis, low blood sugar, jaundice, and other problems.

Review Date: 10/17/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.