Question
After the newborn’s birth, abnormal redness of the skin and difficulty breathing are observed. The hospital examination confirms it as polycythemia. Is this condition severe, and does it require blood transfusion treatment?
Answer
Polycythemia is a relatively serious condition in newborns, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as skin redness, difficulty breathing, heart failure, coagulation dysfunction, hypoglycemia, and hypocalcemia, and may even lead to life-threatening consequences such as heart failure or shock. Therefore, once diagnosed, the baby should be taken to the hospital immediately for professional treatment, including correcting dehydration, monitoring blood sugar levels, and closely observing the baby’s condition. Whether blood transfusion treatment is required should be determined by the doctor based on the baby’s specific condition.