Anemia in the NICU
Anemia simply means a low red blood cell count. A NICU infant may have anemia for several reasons, including blood loss and a deficiency of iron in the blood.
To diagnose anemia, the neonatalogist or physician can order a blood test. If anemia is confirmed, treatments can include adding an iron supplement to help bring up iron levels in the blood, as well as blood transfusions in more critical cases.
When the NICU is ready to send an infant home who has anemia, it is likely the baby will be sent home on an iron supplement. The pediatrician following the baby after NICU discharge will need to be notified of the condition, as well as any supplements the infant is on.
Updated: June 2011
