Question
What are the diagnostic criteria for neonatal anemia?
Answer
The diagnostic criteria for neonatal anemia refer to a hemoglobin (Hb) level below 130 grams/liter (13 grams/liter) in venous blood or capillary Hb at 145 grams/liter (14.5 grams/deciliter) after birth, which can be diagnosed as neonatal anemia. Infant anemia is a common symptom during infancy. Chronic anemia can affect heart function and intellectual development. Infant anemia is mainly caused by malnutrition. Anemic children may have symptoms such as pale or waxy skin, fatigue, and reduced resistance. Nutritional anemia can be categorized into nutritional erythrocytopenic anemia (iron deficiency) and nutritional megaloblastic anemia (deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid).