Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
polycythemia
Pronunciation: pol-ee-sy-THEE-mee-ah
Abnormally high concentration of red blood cells, typically defined as hematocrit >65% in newborns.
Full Definition
Neonatal polycythemia is defined as a venous hematocrit greater than 65% or hemoglobin level above 22 g/dL during the first days of life. This condition can result from delayed cord clamping, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, maternal diabetes, or intrauterine growth restriction. Symptoms may include respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, jaundice, and poor feeding. Severe cases may require partial exchange transfusion to reduce blood viscosity and improve circulation to vital organs.
Usage
Usage note: Include hematocrit values when documented; may require exchange transfusion if symptomatic.
In Context
- "The infant of a diabetic mother developed polycythemia with a hematocrit of 68% on day 1 of life." — Laboratory results
- "Partial exchange transfusion was performed to treat symptomatic polycythemia and reduce viscosity." — Procedure note
Also known as
hyperviscosity syndrome
high hematocrit
Contrasted with
anemia
low hematocrit
Don't confuse with
dehydration
sepsis