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Am J Perinatol 2011; 28(7): 557-564
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1274504
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Partial Exchange Transfusion for Polycythemia Hyperviscosity Syndrome

Bridget Hopewell1 , Laurie A. Steiner2 , Richard A. Ehrenkranz2 , Matthew J. Bizzarro2 , Patrick G. Gallagher2 , 3
  • 1Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
  • 2Division of Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
  • 3Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Further Information

Publication History

Received: October 6, 2010. Accepted after revision: January 4, 2011.

Publication Date:
01 March 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to examine the use of partial exchange transfusion (PET) performed for polycythemia hyperviscosity syndrome (PHS) over time. A retrospective review of 141 infants who received a PET for PHS at Yale–New Haven Hospital between 1986 and 2007 was performed, querying maternal and neonatal medical records. Patient demographics, risk factors for PHS, indications for PET, and complications associated with PET and PHS were collected. Overall, there was no change in the number of PET performed over the study period (r 2 = 0.082, p = 0.192). Eighty-eight percent of patients had at least one risk factor for PHS, most commonly maternal diabetes. Over time, there was a statistically significant decrease in maternal diabetes as a risk factor for PHS. Forty percent of patients had a significant complication attributed to PHS prior to PET. Eighteen percent of patients had a complication attributed to PET. Life-threatening complications of PHS or PET were rare. In conclusion, PHS continues to be a problem observed in neonatal intensive care units, particularly in at-risk populations. PHS and PET are associated with significant complications. Well-designed studies with long-term follow up are needed to assess the risks and benefits of PET for PHS.

KEYWORDS

Hematocrit - reduction exchange - neonate - complication

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Patrick G GallagherM.D. 

Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine

333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208064, New Haven, CT 06520-8064

Email: patrick.gallagher@yale.edu

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