Patient's question:
After birth, whenever the baby cries, their lips turn purple. After receiving oxygen, it improves somewhat. The doctor checked and diagnosed it as polycythemia. Then treatment began. During the treatment, lab tests revealed elevated myocardial enzymes. I would like to ask about the after-effects of the baby's polycythemia?Doctor's answer:
Polycythemia (PCM) is one of the most common diseases in premature infants. The incidence of PCM is 1% to 5%. The incidence of neurological sequelae can be as high as 25% to 50%. Due to the abnormal increase in red blood cells, blood viscosity increases, blood flow slows down, affecting the blood supply to tissues and organs. Severe cases can lead to arteriovenous thrombosis, pulmonary hemorrhage, hyperbilirubinemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, congestive heart failure, and other conditions. If not treated promptly, it can lead to death or neurological sequelae.