DR. RIA MASLOG
MEDICAL INSIDER
Polycythemia
Polycythemia is a medical term when the central
hematocrit values are greater than 65% and this is
common in 15% to 40% of small for dates infants at or
near term.
The specific cause of this condition among the small fo
gestational babies (SGA) is not certain. However,
hypoxia due to poor placental function plays a great
role.
Clinically, some infants are usually asymptomatic but
some will have problems.
Because of the increased blood viscosity there will be
higher systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance
and a decrease in cardiac output.
This will result in the infant to have: tachypnea,
intercostal retractions, grunting, nasal flaring,
tachycardia, pleural effusions and hyperbilirubinemia.