HEMOLYTIC-ANEMIA IN THE NEWBORN

Evaluation of hemolytic anemia in the newborn may be complicated owing to the physiologic changes that occur during this time; however, the newborn period is a time when congenital red cell abnormalities may fi rst present and when maternal factors need to be considered. In this a rticle, an approach to the diagnosis of hemolytic disease in the newbo rn is reviewed. The unique properties of the neonatal red cell, the no rmal red cell changes present in the neonate, the potential congenital defects and maternal factors that may influence the associated clinic al and laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of hemolytic anemia, and a brief review of the red cell disorders associated with h emolytic anemia in the newborn are discussed.