Common Blood Diseases in Newborns

Anemia in newborns is defined as a decrease in hemoglobin levels below 13 mg/100 ml, reducing the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. There are two types:

Physiological Anemia:

• Occurs in the first few weeks after birth, especially in preterm infants.
• Considered normal and often goes unnoticed without symptoms.

Pathological Anemia:

• Results from red blood cell breakdown or blood loss.

Causes of Pathological Anemia:

• Blood group incompatibility between the mother and baby (e.g., Rh incompatibility).
• Neonatal sepsis.
• Bleeding during birth (e.g., placental abruption) or postnatally (e.g., intracranial or scalp hemorrhage).
• Frequent blood sampling for laboratory tests in newborns receiving intensive care.

Symptoms:

• Decreased newborn activity and lack of interest in feeding.
• Pallor.
• Yellowing of the skin and sclera (in hemolytic anemia).
• Increased heart rate and weak pulse.
• Frequent episodes of apnea in severe cases.
• Symptoms of neonatal shock in cases of significant blood loss.

Nursing Care:

• Maintaining circulatory stability.
• Monitoring vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, using a cardiac and respiratory monitor.

In Cases of Bleeding:

• Informing the doctor immediately.
• Applying pressure with a dry cotton pad on external bleeding sites.
• Administering vitamin K (5 mg intramuscularly or intravenously, slowly) as per medical instructions.
• Administering intravenous fluids or blood transfusions as needed.
• Monitoring hemoglobin levels and reporting any changes.

In Cases of Blood Group Incompatibility:

• Placing the baby under phototherapy or performing an exchange transfusion as directed by the doctor.

In Severe Anemia Cases:

• Administering packed red blood cells as per medical instructions.

In Cases of Neonatal Sepsis:

• Administering appropriate antibiotics based on microbial culture results.