• Growth Charts
• Possible Newborn Health Problems
• Heart Defects
• Gastro-intestinal Tract Disorders
• Duodenal Atresia
• Hirschsprung's Disease
• Imperforate Anus
• Tracheo-oesophageal Fistula
• Congenital Cataracts
• Unusual Blood Results

Unusual Blood Results

Red blood cells
Many newborns have an increased number of red blood cells (polycythaemia). This lasts up to three weeks and does not appear to be harmful.

Platelets
Some newborns have a low platelet count, called thrombocytopenia.
Rarely, the platelet count may be so low that transfusions of platelets may be needed to prevent bleeding problems. Occasionally this is associated with transient leukemia.

On the other hand, about 20% of newborns have increased platelet numbers, called thrombocytosis. This goes back to normal in about a month and doesn’t cause any problems.

White blood cells
Transient Leukemia/Transient Abnormal Myelopoiesis
About 10% of newborn babies with Down Syndrome develop transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) also called transient leukaemia.

A blood test shows many more white blood cells than normal and there are immature white blood cells ("blasts") present in the blood.

Unlike leukaemia, the condition usuallydisappears on its own.
Some of these children (about 30%) go on to develop leukemia later in childhood. This can usually be treated and cured.