[Infantile pyknocytosis: a rare form of neonatal hemolytic anemia. 5 case-studies].
Infantile pyknocytosis (IP) is a rare hematological entity of newborns. It is a form of hemolytic anemia with unusual red cell morphology: the red blood cells are distorted, irregular, and small with many projections. Spontaneous resolution usually occurs by 4-6months of age.


METHODS
We describe the clinical features and biological parameters of 5 cases of IP. The first symptoms were always early jaundice, which required phototherapy. Anemia was severe in all babies and red blood cell transfusion was needed.


CONCLUSIONS
IP is a rare cause of neonatal anemia whose diagnosis is based on a careful peripheral blood smear examination. In our study, anemia was severe and required red blood cell transfusion. Ethnic specificity and familial occurrence are reported in our experience.
Limme
B
B
Service d'hémato-oncologie pédiatrique, CHR Citadelle, boulevard-12(e)-de Ligne, 4000 Liège, Belgique.
Dresse
M-F
MF
Ketelslegers
O
O
Rigo
V
V
Hoyoux
C
C
D000367:Age Factors; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D000751:Anemia, Neonatal / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D001034:Apgar Score; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion; D004913:Erythrocytes, Abnormal; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D010789:Phototherapy; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors