Neonatal Anemia 

It is defined as hemoglobin less than lower limit of normal range for birth weight and postnatal age.

Physiologic anemia of infancy

After birth a transient hemoconcentration ocuurs due to redistribution of plasma water,this is followed by a gradual fall of Hb,that progresses to reach its lowest level at 6-8weeks after birth.this is called physiologic anemia of infancy and it is due to:

1. Abrupt cessation of erythropoiesis with the onset of respiration and increased oxygen saturation.
2. Shortened survival of fetal RBCS.
3. Rapid expansion of plasma volume.

Other causes of neonatal anemia 

1)blood loss

1. Hemorrhagic disease of newborn.
2. Neonatal thrombocytopenia (ITP,lupus,...etc).
3. Feto_maternal blood loss.
4. Placenta previa.
5. Large cephalohematoma .
6. DIC
7. Neonatal septicemia.
8. Subaponeurotic hematoma.
9. Frequent sampling in preterm infants.

2)decreased RBCS production 

1. Perinatal infections.
2. Anemia of prematurity.

3) Hemolysis 

1. Rh and ABO incompatibility.
2. G6PD deficiency.
3. Hereditary spherocytosis.
4. Sepsis.

Management 

1) Transfusion of cross-matched packed RBCS or whole blood for blood loss.

2) recombinant human erythropoietin and iron supplements can prevent and treat neonatal anemia of preterm infants.