Anemia of prematurity (AOP) is a multifactorial condition associated with congenital iron deficiency, low erythropoietin levels, a short lifespan of red blood cells, and iatrogenic blood loss. AOP is a common complication in premature infants that can adversely affect growth, development, and long-term neurocognitive outcomes. To standardize the diagnosis and treatment of AOP, the Neonatal Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee and the Neonatal Evidence-Based Medicine Group of the Commission of Neonatal Medicine of the Cross-Strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, along with the Editorial Office of the Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, have developed the "Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of anemia of prematurity (2025)", based on the World Health Organization's handbook for guideline development and the formulation/revision principles of Chinese clinical practice guidelines. This guideline addresses eight clinical issues related to AOP, including risk factors, early identification, etiological diagnosis, diagnostic criteria, early prevention, transfusion therapy, strategies to improve prognosis, and post-discharge follow-up. It presents 29 recommendations formed from current evidence and expert consensus, aiming to provide guidance and decision-making support for healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of AOP.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Anemia, Neonatal/diagnosis* ; Anemia/diagnosis* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

BACKGROUND: The direct/total (d/t) bilirubin ratio can be used to distinguish the causes of jaundice in many patients who have increased levels of direct and indirect bilirubin. However, the reference range of the d/t ratio has not been established, hindering its clinical usefulness. This study assessed the clinical usefulness of the d/t ratio. METHODS: Paired total bilirubin and direct bilirubin tests (N=4,357) of cholestasis, hemolytic anemia, and neonatal jaundice were evaluated. Regression analyses were performed between total bilirubin and direct bilirubin, and between total bilirubin and the d/t ratio for each disease. Theoretical correlation models were established and used to compare the regression analyses data. RESULTS: The theoretical model and regression equation between total bilirubin and direct bilirubin displayed linear correlations for all three cholestatic diseases. The model and regression equation between total bilirubin and the d/t ratio showed reciprocal curve correlations for the cholestatic diseases. When the total bilirubin concentration exceeded approximately 10 mg/dL, the rate of change of the d/t ratio decreased and converged to a constant value between 0.7 and 0.9. CONCLUSIONS: If the total bilirubin concentration exceeds 10 mg/dL, cholestatic diseases can be diagnosed if the d/t ratio is more than 0.7. However, if the total bilirubin concentration is lower than 10 mg/dL, cholestatic diseases should be considered even if the d/t ratio is lower than 0.7. Therefore, use of the d/t ratio with total bilirubin could prove to be valuable in clinical settings.
Anemia, Hemolytic ; Bilirubin* ; Cholestasis ; Humans ; Hyperbilirubinemia ; Infant, Newborn ; Jaundice ; Jaundice, Neonatal ; Models, Theoretical ; Reference Values

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety of umbilical cord milking on both the mother and neonate among very preterm deliveries of less than 33 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Pregnant women who were expected to deliver at between 24 0/7 and 32 6/7 weeks of gestation were randomized to either the umbilical cord milking or immediate cord clamping group. Maternal and neonatal data associated with delivery, in addition to neonatal morbidity and mortality data, were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 66 preterm deliveries included in the study, 34 were randomized into the milking and 32 into the clamping group. Differences between maternal pre- and post-partum hemoglobin levels were 1.35 g/dL in the milking and 1.58 g/dL in the clamping group (P=0.451). Neonatal Apgar scores at both 1 and 5 minutes, initial blood gas analysis results, body temperature at admission, need for early intubation, and maximum bilirubin levels were all similar between the 2 groups. However, neonatal hemoglobin levels at birth (15.79 vs. 14.69 g/dL; P<0.05) and at 24 hours of age (14.83 vs. 13.29 g/dL; P<0.05) were significantly higher in the milking group. Neonates in the clamping group required more blood transfusion (1.78 vs. 0.93; P=0.049), and a higher percentage of neonates in the clamping group required inotropic drugs (63% vs. 29%; P=0.007). The mortality rate was significantly lower in the milking group (6% vs. 28%; P=0.015). CONCLUSION: Umbilical cord milking can be a safe and beneficial procedure for both the mother and the neonate in deliveries of less than 33 weeks of gestation.
Anemia, Neonatal ; Bilirubin ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Blood Transfusion ; Body Temperature ; Constriction ; Female ; Fetomaternal Transfusion ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn* ; Infant, Premature ; Intubation ; Milk* ; Mortality ; Mothers ; Parturition ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Umbilical Cord*

A full term male infant was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit due to jaundice and mild hemolytic anemia within the first 24 hours of his life. The total serum bilirubin level was 11.2 mg/dL at 24 hours of age. The patient was RhD positive and blood group A, and his mother was RhD positive and blood group B. The direct and indirect antiglobulin tests of the infant were all positive. On antibody screening and identification tests, anti-S antibodies were identified from both the infant and mother. The RBC phenotyping for S antigen revealed positive for infant and negative for mother. This report documents the first case of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn due to the anti-S antibody in Korea.
Anemia, Hemolytic ; Antibodies ; Bilirubin ; Coombs Test ; Fetus* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn* ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Jaundice ; Korea* ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Mothers

Infantile osteopetrosis is a rare congenital disorder caused by abnormal bone resorption. Patients with osteopetrosis can have severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, rickets, visual impairment, and deafness. Cytomegalovirus also can cause a congenital infection with anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and calcifications in the brain. We report a 38-day-old infant with severe hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, hypocalcemia, and growth failure. Real time polymerase chain reaction detected cytomegalovirus in the plasma. Skeletal radiography revealed generalized bone sclerosis. He was diagnosed with osteopetrosis along with cytomegalovirus infection. Only the test for mutation of the CLCN7 gene, representing the most common and heterogeneous form of osteopetrosis, was available, and the result was negative. With supportive care and antiviral treatment, severe thrombocytopenia due to the cytomegalovirus infection almost normalized despite the possible immunosuppression caused by osteopetrosis. We present the first report of an infant who suffered from osteopetrosis and CMV infection which was successfully treated by long term antiviral agent therapy.
Anemia ; Bone Resorption ; Brain ; Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities ; Cytomegalovirus Infections* ; Cytomegalovirus* ; Deafness ; Humans ; Hypocalcemia ; Immunosuppression ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn* ; Osteopetrosis* ; Plasma ; Radiography ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rickets ; Sclerosis ; Thrombocytopenia ; Vision Disorders

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the safety of fetal delivery through placental incision in a placenta previa pregnancy. METHODS: We examined the medical records of 80 women with singleton pregnancy diagnosed with placenta previa who underwent cesarean section between May 2010 and May 2015 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungbuk National University Hospital. Among the women with placenta previa, those who did not have the placenta in the uterine incision site gave birth via conventional uterine incision, while those with anterior placenta previa or had placenta attached to the uterine incision site gave birth via uterine incision plus placental incision. We compared the postoperative hemoglobin level and duration of hospital stay for the mother and newborn of the two groups. RESULTS: There was no difference between the placental incision group and non-incision group in terms of preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin change, the amount of blood transfusions required by the mother, newborns with 1-min or 5-min Apgar scores below 7 points or showing signs of acidosis on umbilical cord blood gas analysis result of pH below 7.20. Moreover, neonatal hemoglobin levels did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Fetal delivery through placental incision during cesarean section for placenta previa pregnancy does not negatively influence the prognosis of the mother or the newborn, and therefore, is considered a safe surgical technique.
Acidosis ; Anemia, Neonatal ; Blood Transfusion ; Cesarean Section ; Chungcheongbuk-do ; Female ; Fetal Blood ; Gynecology ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Infant, Newborn ; Length of Stay ; Medical Records ; Mothers ; Obstetrics ; Parturition ; Placenta Previa* ; Placenta* ; Pregnancy ; Prognosis

Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is a major cause of unexplained fetal death and neonatal anemia. FMH can be diagnosed using the Kleihauer-Betke test or flow cytometry by identifying the presence of fetal red cells in the maternal blood. However, timely diagnosis is a challenge because many hospitals lack the equipment needed to perform such tests. The authors experienced a case of FMH diagnosed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which is generally used in measuring glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a patient with unexplained neonatal anemia. A girl aged 2 days was transferred to our hospital for showing pallor and a hemoglobin level of 5.0 g/dL. HPLC revealed 3% fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in the maternal blood. HPLC is a quick test for quantifying HbF that is readily available in many hospitals and could serve as a promising alternative for diagnosing FMH.
Anemia, Neonatal ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Fetal Death ; Fetal Hemoglobin ; Fetomaternal Transfusion ; Flow Cytometry ; Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Pallor ; Pregnancy ; Prothrombin Time

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) increases the rate of maternal and fetal complications. This pilot study was designed to compare the maternal and fetal outcomes of spinal versus general anesthesia (GA) for parturients with SCA undergoing cesarean delivery. METHODS: Forty parturients with known SCA scheduled for elective Cesarean delivery were randomized into spinal anesthesia (n = 20) and GA groups (n = 20). Perioperative hemodynamic parameters were recorded. Postpartum complications were followed up. Opioid consumption was calculated. Blood loss during surgery and the number of patients who received intraoperative or postpartum blood transfusion were recorded. Patient satisfaction with the type of anesthesia was assessed. The Apgar score at 1 and 5 min, neonatal admission to the intensive care unit, and mortality were also recorded. RESULTS: Blood loss was significantly higher in the GA than spinal group (P = 0.01). However, the number of patients who received an intraoperative or postpartum blood transfusion was statistically insignificant. Significantly more patients developed intraoperative hypotension and bradycardia in the spinal than GA group. Opioid use during the first 24 h was significantly higher in the GA than spinal group (P < 0.0001). More patients had vaso-occlusive crisis in the GA than spinal group without statistical significance (P = 0.4). There was one case of acute chest syndrome in the GA group. No significant differences were observed in postoperative nausea and/or vomiting, patient satisfaction, or hospital length of stay. Neonatal Apgar scores were significantly better in the spinal than GA group at 1 and 5 min (P = 0.006 and P = 0.009, respectively). Neonatal intensive care admission was not significantly different between the two groups, and there was no neonatal mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia may have advantages over GA in parturients with SCA undergoing Cesarean delivery.
Acute Chest Syndrome ; Anemia, Sickle Cell* ; Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, General* ; Anesthesia, Spinal ; Apgar Score ; Blood Transfusion ; Bradycardia ; Cesarean Section* ; Female ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Length of Stay ; Mortality ; Patient Satisfaction ; Pilot Projects ; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy ; Vomiting

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzyme disorder. There are more than 400 million people worldwide with G6PD deficiency, and its distribution is similar to that of malaria. G6PD deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder. Most patients with G6PD deficiency may be asymptomatic throughout their lives. They may present as neonatal jaundice, or acute and chronic hemolysis. The most important point in the management of G6PD deficiency is to avoid oxidative stress. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Korea is about 0.9%. However, a nationwide survey has revealed that the number of patients with enzymopathy is increasing. Immigration of different ethnicities into Korea, and the rise of interracial marriages will likely lead to an increase in the number of patients with G6PD deficiency.
Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital ; Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital Nonspherocytic ; Emigration and Immigration ; Favism ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency ; Hemolysis ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Jaundice, Neonatal ; Korea ; Malaria ; Marriage ; Oxidative Stress ; Prevalence ; Splenectomy

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological features, clinical courses, and diagnoses of neonates who are transferred to neonatal intensive care unit of Yeungnam University Hospital due to tachypnea soon after birth. METHODS: Based on medical records, we performed a retrospective study of neonatal intensive care unit admissions due to tachypnea from January 2010 to December 2013. RESULTS: A total of 311 neonates were included in this study. The patient characteristics showed male predominance at 2.65:1. Among the 311 neonates with tachypnea, 127 (40.8%) neonates needed oxygen supply, and 54 (17.4%) neonates needed assisted mechanical ventilation. Transient tachypnea of the newborns (TTN) (158, 50.8%) showed the highest incidence, followed by pneumonia (63, 20.3%), extrapulmonary infection (37, 11.9%), respiratory distress syndrome (21, 6.8%), air leak (16, 5.1%), meconium aspiration syndrome (12, 3.9%), congenital heart disease (5, 1.6%), metabolic acidosis (3, 1%), primary pulmonary hypertension of newborns (2, 0.6%) and anemia (2, 0.6%). CONCLUSION: Although the neonates with tachypnea showed no other respiratory distress symptom, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of other pulmonary diseases as well as TTN and their extra-pulmonary causes. If tachypnea does not improve within a few hours, the clinician should consider further evaluation and management as soon as possible.
Acidosis ; Anemia ; Diagnosis* ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; Incidence ; Infant, Newborn* ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Lung Diseases ; Male ; Meconium Aspiration Syndrome ; Medical Records ; Oxygen ; Parturition* ; Pneumonia ; Respiration, Artificial ; Retrospective Studies ; Tachypnea ; Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn