Polycythemia

Polycythemia, or plethora, is a rare blood disorder occurring when there are too many red blood cells circulating in the bloodstream. The Anemia and Red Blood Cell Disorders Program at Children’s Hospital Boston provides comprehensive treatment and management of polycythemia.

• Polycythemia is rare.
• Babies with polycythemia have high red blood cell and hemoglobin counts.
• Many babies with polycythemia have no visible symptoms.
• Polycythemia is typically treated by withdrawing blood or replacing withdrawn blood with fluid.