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Current Pediatric Reviews

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ISSN (Print): 1573-3963
ISSN (Online): 1875-6336

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Review Article

Neonatal Anemia

Author(s): Kendell R. German and Sandra E. Juul*

Volume 19, Issue 4, 2023

Published on: 15 December, 2022

Page: [388 - 394] Pages: 7

DOI: 10.2174/1573396319666221121140627

Price: $65

Abstract

All neonates experience a downtrend in their hematocrit values immediately following the birth through normal falls in erythropoietin (Epo) production, transition to adult hemoglobin, and hemodilution with somatic growth. However, this drop is more pronounced in critically ill and preterm neonates and can lead to potentially pathologic anemia that impairs tissue oxygen delivery. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms underlying physiologic anemia and anemia of prematurity and briefly review the evidence for the treatment of anemia in the neonatal population, including the use of red blood cell transfusions, erythropoietic stimulating agents, and iron supplementation.

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Graphical Abstract

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