Infantile pyknocytosis: a cause of haemolytic anaemia of the newborn

Br J Haematol. 2006 May;133(4):439-42. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2006.06033.x.

Abstract

This study defined the incidence, clinical and haematological characteristics of infantile pyknocytosis in a monocentric retrospective study of 149 blood samples referred for unexplained neonatal haemolytic anaemia. Pyknocytosis was diagnosed in 14 patients (9.4%). All patients had neonatal jaundice and severe anaemia (mean nadir haemoglobin: 6.8 g/dl) at a mean age of 21 d. The percentage of pyknocytes was 4-23%. Packed red blood cell transfusions were needed in 11 of 14 patients. Haemoglobin levels reached normal values within a mean time of 4 months. Infantile pyknocytosis is an unusual cause of neonatal haemolytic anaemia, which requires careful examination of blood smears.

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic / blood*
  • Erythrocytes, Abnormal*
  • Female
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / blood
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Hemoglobins