pediatrics
Perinatal Anemia
Key Points
Anemia is a reduction in red cell mass or hemoglobin, and in neonates is usually defined as hemoglobin or hematocrit > 2 standard deviations below the mean for age. Causes of anemia in newborns include physiologic processes, blood loss, decreased red blood cell (RBC) production, and increased RBC destruction. Physiologic anemia is the most common cause of anemia in the neonatal period and does not generally require extensive evaluation or treatment. Neonates with anemia are generally pale and, if anemia is severe, have tachypnea, tachycardia, and sometimes a flow murmur. Need for treatment varies with degree of anemia and associated medical conditions. Mild anemia in otherwise healthy term and preterm infants generally does not require specific treatment; treatment is directed at the underlying diagnosis. 