What causes thick blood in newborns? Hyperviscosity (say “hy-per-vis-COSS-uh-tee”) is a thickening of the blood. In newborns, it’s usually caused by having too many red blood cells. Polycythemia and hyperviscosity often happen together. If your baby’s blood is thicker than normal, it’s hard for the blood to flow through the blood vessels.
What are the side effects of thick blood? Thick blood can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage. Symptoms include lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and bruising.
Does neonatal polycythemia go away? In most cases, polycythemia has no lasting effects. As the extra red blood cells break down, the baby will probably have yellowing of the skin (jaundice) for a short time. This is normal. If a blood clot (thrombus) or other problems occurred because of hyperviscosity, the baby may have complications.
Is thick blood something to worry about? Certain medical conditions can cause the blood to become thick, increasing the risk of clots and other complications. Anyone with a family history of thick blood or blood clotting disorders should speak with a doctor about the risks and possible complications. Also, seek medical advice about any unusual symptoms.
What causes thick blood in newborns? – Related Questions
What is neonatal polycythemia?
Neonatal polycythemia is characterized by a venous hematocrit (hct) that greatly exceeds normal values for gestational and postnatal age. This condition affects approximately 1 to 5 percent of newborns.
Can Drinking Water thin your blood?
Even water can naturally thin the blood. Dehydration causes the blood to thicken, which can lead to an increased risk of clots. So drinking plenty of water can be good for cardiovascular health.
Does polycythemia go away?
There’s no cure for polycythemia vera. Treatment focuses on reducing your risk of complications. These treatments may also ease your symptoms.
Can a baby be born with too much blood?
Red blood cells are an important part of your baby’s blood. They carry oxygen to every part of the body. But some babies are born with too many red blood cells. This is called polycythemia (say “paw-lee-sy-THEE-mee-uh”).
What is sticky blood syndrome?
The immune system produces abnormal blood proteins called antiphospholipid antibodies, which cause blood platelets to clump together. Hughes syndrome is sometimes called ‘sticky blood syndrome’ because people with this condition are more likely to form clots in blood vessels (thromboses).
Should I worry about a slightly elevated platelet count?
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if high platelets are accompanied by a persistent headache, difficulty breathing, dizziness, seizures, changes in speech, or confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment. If your high platelets condition is persistent or causes you concern, seek prompt medical care.
Can dehydration cause thick blood?
When you’re dehydrated, you lose blood volume, which causes your blood to get thicker. That makes it harder for your heart to supply that blood to your muscles.
Why do babies get polycythemia?
Polycythemia is an abnormally high concentration of red blood cells. This disorder may result from postmaturity, diabetes in the mother, twin-to-twin transfusions, in which blood flows from one fetus to the other, or a low oxygen level in the fetus’s blood.
What is a normal hemoglobin for a newborn?
A hemoglobin concentration of 15 g/dl appears optimal for preterm and full-term infants at birth as well as for adults. The calculated minimum acceptable hemoglobin concentration is 6 g/dl for children and adults, 12 g/dl for preterm infants and 11 g/dl for full-term neonates at birth.
Can drinking water help with blood clots?
Water helps to thin the blood, which in turn makes it less likely to form clots, explains Jackie Chan, Dr. P.H., the lead study author. But don’t chug your extra H2O all at once. “You need to drink water throughout the day to keep your blood thin, starting with a glass or two in the morning,” adds Dr.
Is coffee a blood thinner?
It was concluded that caffeine has the capacity to inhibit the metabolism of warfarin and enhance its plasma concentration and hence anticoagulant effects. Thus, patients should be advised to limit the frequent use of caffeine-rich products i.e. tea and coffee during warfarin therapy.
Is Vinegar a blood thinner?
A lack of hydration can cause blood to thicken. Apple cider vinegar may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Garlic and onion help reduce platelets aggregation due to the presence of an active compound called allicin, which is a vasodilator and anticoagulant.
What should I eat if I have polycythemia?
Polycythemia vera diet
Eat well-balanced meals complete with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Ask your doctor how many calories you should consume each day to maintain a healthy weight. Also, watch how much salt you eat.
Can you live a normal life with polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years.
Does polycythemia get worse?
It causes your marrow to make too many red blood cells so your blood is too thick. You may be more likely to have clots, a stroke, or a heart attack. This disease gets worse slowly, usually over many years. It can be life-threatening if you don’t get treatment, but the right care can help you live a long life.
Why is hemoglobin higher in newborns?
Infants tend to have higher average hemoglobin levels than adults. This is because they have higher oxygen levels in the womb and need more red blood cells to transport the oxygen. But this level starts to go down after several weeks.
What is the treatment for polycythemia?
The most common drug used to treat PV is hydroxyurea (Hydrea®, Droxia®). This medicine helps slow the production of red blood cells. Some people with PV take aspirin every day because it helps thin the blood.
Why is my baby hemoglobin high?
Medical conditions that can cause high hemoglobin levels include: Polycythemia vera (the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells) Lung diseases such as COPD, emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis (lung tissue becomes scarred) Heart disease, especially congenital heart disease (the baby is born with it)
Which fruits are good for blood increase?
Fruits: Raisins, prunes, dried figs, apricots, apples, grapes and watermelons not only get the red blood cells flowing but also improve the blood count. Citrus fruits like oranges, amla or Indian gooseberry, lime and grapefruit help to attract iron. They play a very important role in increasing blood count.
Why does blood get sticky when it dries?
If you’re ill, you produce chemical cytokines that tell the liver to make more clotting proteins. Then your blood is full of clotting proteins that make it very sticky and very ready to clot.
Can you have a baby with antiphospholipid syndrome?
Although APS patients are more likely to develop pregnancy complications than are women in the general population, the current management approach allows the majority of women with APS to deliver healthy babies. (More than 80% will have live newborns and approximately 60% will not have any pregnancy complications.)
