Patient's question:
My baby is a premature infant and has a weak constitution. His face is often pale, and his hands and feet are cold. I suspect he may have anemia. What are the diagnostic criteria for anemia in newborns?Doctor's answer:
The diagnostic criteria for neonatal anemia refer to venous hemoglobin (Hb) below 130 grams per liter (13 grams per liter) or capillary Hb at 145 grams per liter (14.5 grams per deciliter) after birth, which can be diagnosed as neonatal anemia. Anemia in infants is a common symptom during infancy. Long-term anemia can affect heart function and intellectual development. Infant anemia is primarily caused by malnutrition. Anemic children may exhibit symptoms such as pale or yellowish complexion, easy fatigue, and low immunity. Nutritional anemia can be divided into nutritional microcytic anemia (iron deficiency) and nutritional megaloblastic anemia (Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency).