Question
When a newborn exhibits symptoms such as abnormal skin redness and difficulty breathing, and is diagnosed with polycythemia in the hospital, is this condition severe? Do they need blood transfusion treatment?
Answer
Polycythemia is a relatively serious disease in newborns, often accompanied by symptoms such as skin redness, difficulty breathing, heart failure, abnormal coagulation function, hypoglycemia, and hypocalcemia, which may even lead to heart failure, shock, and death. Therefore, once diagnosed, immediate medical assistance should be sought, and symptomatic treatment should be initiated, including correcting dehydration, monitoring blood glucose levels, and closely observing the changes in the condition. Whether blood transfusion treatment is necessary should be determined by professional doctors based on the specific situation of the child.