pediatrics
Perinatal Polycythemia and Hyperviscosity Syndrome
Key Points
Polycythemia in neonates is a venous hematocrit≥65%. Hyperviscosity is a clinical syndrome involving sludging of blood within vessels and sometimes thrombosis. Manifestations are varied and can be severe (heart failure, thrombosis [cerebral and renal vessels], central nervous system dysfunction) or mild (tremulousness, lethargy, or hyperbilirubinemia). Treat with IV hydration and sometimes partial exchange transfusion. 