HEMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS IN NEWBORN

Hematological status at birth is characterized by:

• Higher hemoglobin levels (~14-16 gm/dl) with predominance of HbF (~70%),

• Higher reticulocyte count (gt;5%), suggestive of rapid bone marrow turnover,

• Higher TLC (~18,000 cells/mm³), with lymphocytic predominance (gt;60%), and

• Relative thrombocytopenia with immature hemostatic mechanisms. All clotting factors are low in newborns except factor fV, VIIIs and XIII as also Antithrombin III, plasminogen and protein-C levels.

These developmental features change rapidly in neo­natal period to reach adult values and should always be considered while assessing a neonatal blood reports. This chapter deals with common hematological problems in newborns, i.e. bleeding, anemia and polycythemia.

12.17.1