Hematocrit 30 in a child. What to do if a child’s hematocrit is low. Why is a false analysis result possible?

A blood test for hematocrit is another important indicator by which doctors determine the child’s health status and the presence of disease processes. The study helps to identify deviations from the norm in the ratio of red blood cells to the amount of plasma, either upward or downward. Minor fluctuations are considered acceptable, but if the balance is significantly disturbed, the doctor, based on the indicators, diagnoses a specific disease.

In addition to standard tests, the level of red blood cells in the child’s blood is checked, which makes it possible to diagnose diseases.

How is a hematocrit test done?

To calculate the hematocrit number, blood taken from a child is sent into a special test tube with divisions marked on its wall, inserted into a centrifuge and processed for an hour and a half. The centrifugation process allows you to separate red blood cells from plasma: heavy elements, including red blood cells, sink to the bottom of the vessel, and the plasma remains at the top.

Visually, the ratio of red blood cells to plasma is determined using a scale on a test tube. Hematology analyzers are used to accurately calculate hematocrit. The resulting Ht indicator expresses the number of red blood cells without assessing their quality, but such information is enough for doctors to accurately make a diagnosis. The Ht value is expressed as a percentage and written as a fraction - liter/liter.

Age norms of hematocrit in children

A general blood test shows the level of hemoglobin, hematocrit and other blood characteristics (we recommend reading:). When assessing the numerical value of red blood cells to determine whether the hematocrit is low or high, doctors rely on their standard value, characteristic of a healthy newborn. In addition, doctors have derived the norm for each age period of childhood, from birth to adulthood.

Hematocrit blood test results vary depending on the child's age

For clarity, we have combined all the numerical indicators of the norm into a separate table, which looks like this:

What does deviation from the norm look like?

Experts consider deviations from the norm in the form of a decrease or increase as a sign of a painful pathology or physiological characteristics of the child. High Ht indicates an increased number of formed elements, which make the blood viscous and thick. Having blood in this state provokes the formation of blood clots. However, exceeding the norm by 10-12% in infants and children under one year old is considered a physiological factor that does not cause concern. The picture looks alarming if the hematocrit is increased in a baby after one year.

The hematocrit is reduced - this means that the volume of blood cells has decreased, and they are responsible for supplying nutrients and oxygen to the organs. There is a violation of the acid-base balance, leading to oxygen starvation of the cells, which negatively affects the general condition of the baby. Weakness appears, the heartbeat quickens, the skin becomes pale, and there is shortness of breath.

Why does hematocrit increase?

A marked increase in Ht is directly related to hyperproduction in the bone marrow (an increase in the number or size of red blood cells). The reason for the increased concentration of cells lies in the area of ​​pathological changes occurring in the body of a small patient. However, the process does not always occur due to pathological disorders in the body.

The hematocrit will be higher than normal if the patient did not drink before taking the test or his body was dehydrated as a result of vomiting or high fever.

Main factors of increase

We will necessarily increase Ht in case of disease processes that affect the growth of the number and size of red blood cells. The main factors for high hematocrit in children can be:

1. True and redistributive erythrocytosis.
2. Excessive reproduction of red blood cells or erythremia (Vaquez disease, polycythemia). It manifests itself as uncomfortable tingling in the fingers and toes, heaviness in the head, sudden redness of the skin, and cardialgia. Similar symptoms accompany diseases that cause an increase in the size of red blood cells.
3. Compensatory reaction of the cardiovascular system to certain factors: pulmonary insufficiency, being at high altitude, kidney pathology, “blue” heart defects.

Relative reasons

Incoming processes can provoke an increase in the Ht level. Doctors include these:

• frequent bouts of vomiting;
• profuse diarrhea, causing blood thickening;
• intestinal obstruction, in which fluid moves into it;
• increased sweating (hyperhidrosis);
• peritonitis;
• hereditary and acquired kidney diseases;
• pathology formed in the respiratory organs;
• leukemia (more details in the article:);
• burns and injuries;
• erythremia;
• asymptomatic oxygen starvation;
• long-term use of certain medications (for example, glucocorticosteroids).

What affects the decrease in Ht?

A decrease in hematocrit is recorded when its level is clearly low, that is, it drops to 25%. Having discovered that the hematocrit is reduced, the doctor prescribes an additional examination for the small patient to determine the cause.

As a rule, a decrease in Ht is a consequence of the accumulation of excess fluid, due to which the blood thins and the percentage level of red blood cells and plasma changes (overhydration), and hemoglobin decreases (see also:). The cause may be hyperproteinemia (excessive concentration of proteins). Such changes are caused by:

1. Severe blood loss.
2. Violation of the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow towards a decrease in their number or size.
3. Hereditary or acquired hemolytic anemia, typhoid fever, malaria, hemolytic poisons, in which rapid destruction of red blood cells occurs.
4. Intravenous administration of large amounts of fluid for impaired renal function, leading to an increase in blood volume.
5. Various types of anemia.
6. Overhydration - blood thinning due to disturbances in the excretory system, insufficient blood circulation, water intoxication.
7. Increased protein levels in the blood (hyperproteinemia). Occurs with frequent vomiting, acute infections, diarrhea, paraproteinemic hemoblastoses, Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma.

Anemia is a common cause of decreased hematocrit. The child needs medical supervision and the establishment of a proper diet. The doctor may suggest taking medications that increase Ht.

The baby's menu is made up of foods rich in iron: liver, apples, nuts, eggs, meat. It is useful for a child to take hematogen, which is sold in all pharmacies. Parents should ensure compliance with all settings recommended by the pediatrician.

Why is a false test result possible?

Some factors that arise at the time of blood sampling can distort the result of the analysis, showing an increase or decrease in hematocrit. For example, if blood sampling is done after severe blood loss, or before it, an intravenous infusion of a drug that thins the blood was given. A false indicator will also be obtained when taking an analysis from a child who has been in a supine position for a long time. The Ht level will also be lower when the vein has been compressed with a tourniquet for a long time. If the doctor has doubts, a repeat test is prescribed.

It should also be taken into account that the hematocrit indicator does not serve as the basis for establishing a diagnosis; it only warns that there is a pathology in the child’s body or there is a risk of developing any disease. The final verdict of the doctor is announced only after studying all the tests, and in the case of hematocrit, its relationship with hemoglobin level is taken into account. If a decrease or increase in hematocrit level is detected, parents should conduct a thorough examination of the baby in order to begin treatment on time.

The hematocrit is low in a child; if its value is elevated or within the normal range, a simple blood test can show this. If there is a slight deviation from the norm, home treatment procedures are carried out. If the picture is more serious, the pediatrician will prescribe medication.

Leukocytes, red blood cells and platelets are the main components of blood. The percentage of the blood base - red blood cells - is called the hematocrit index. A slight discrepancy in hematocrit upward or downward is due to the influence of certain environmental influences. If the transcript shows a significant deviation, there is a need to investigate the cause of this condition. Since a serious discrepancy in hematocrit in children indicates the formation or development of pathology in the body.

Conducting a hematocrit test is very simple. It is necessary to draw blood from a vein, place the blood in a designated flask and place it in a centrifuge connected to a computer. After the centrifuge stops, the blood should stratify: red blood cells precipitate, and plasma remains on top. The monitor displays a breakdown of the percentage of red blood cells contained in the blood.

Before the computerization of this process, the laboratory assistant assessed the blood composition visually, so the analysis was often determined incorrectly.

It is important to know! The hematocrit level is not the main indicator of a general blood test, but its deviation from the norm is a sign of painful actions in the body.

In case of incorrect blood sampling, there is a possibility of obtaining an apocryphal coefficient. If the laboratory technician cannot find a vein in the child’s arm for a long time and repeatedly clamps the capillary with a tourniquet, or an intravenous infusion was given before taking blood. Parents do not have to worry about such a mistake: the child will not be immediately treated for a fictitious disease. Because a blood test is only part of a diagnostic complex that evaluates the condition of the human body. Changes in analysis indicators are taken into account in dynamic indicators, and a single violation of it may be caused by the influence of certain external factors. Decoding hct in a blood test, its norm in children varies according to age.

The hematocrit norm in children is presented in the table:

Increased hematocrit

An increased hematocrit in a child is provoked by two main mechanisms - an increase in red blood cells in relation to plasma and a decrease in the plasma content in relation to red blood cells. Outwardly, these deviations can be expressed in completely different manifestations. The analysis may show that the hematocrit is increased in the child; this may be the case of several pathological disorders: hypoxia, dehydration, impaired coagulation. It can be lowered by eliminating the disease that provoked the increase, and with medications that reduce hematocrit.

Reduced hematocrit rate

A reduced hematocrit in a child has a reverse imbalance: the volume of formed elements decreases in relation to the normal volume of plasma, or the volume of plasma increases in relation to the number of formed elements.

There may also be several reasons for a decrease in hematocrit.

Anemia

Anemia can be classified into different forms and types of disease:

Aplastic is a particularly typical form of anemia for children. It is detected during an examination by a pediatrician when taking blood for a general analysis. When the functioning of the bone marrow is abnormal, the formation of formed elements in the blood decreases, while the plasma remains in a relatively constant volume.

Posthemorrhagic – occurs when there is bleeding. This type of anemia is not typical for children, but it can also appear in a child as a result of deterioration during surgery. It is treated exclusively in a hospital under the constant strict supervision of a doctor.

Deficient – ​​associated with a deficiency of important microelements in the blood, such as iron, folic acid, vitamin B 12. As a result of such deficiency in the blood, the level of formed elements decreases. This type of anemia is treated by balancing microelements and vitamins in the body.

Overhydration

In childhood, a factor in this type of anemia can be a malfunction of the kidneys. Due to this disorder, excess fluid begins to accumulate in the body. The most common manifestation of overhydration is swelling. Both the face and limbs can swell, and the swelling can be both obvious and hidden. In this case, a decrease in hematocrit level is associated with an increase in plasma volume in the blood with a normal level of red blood cells. If the swelling is not too pronounced, this means that herbal medicine at home using diuretic herbs will be sufficient to treat this disorder.

Hyperproteinemia

A decrease in hematocrit and blood density occurs when the level of a protein in the plasma increases, which attracts intercellular fluid into the bloodstream. As a rule, the amount of protein in an infant begins to increase when he is fed cow or goat milk, since such milk contains much more protein than mother's milk. Therefore, in case of hyperproteinemia, breastfeeding or feeding with formulas with a low amount of protein is prescribed.

Normalization of hematocrit

It is important to know! A low hematocrit level is diagnosed in children less often and is less dangerous than a high one. The risk group includes babies who receive insufficient oxygen.

If the child’s hematocrit level deviates due to anemia, it is necessary to normalize and balance the diet. Be sure to include apples, liver, eggs, meat, nuts and other foods high in iron.

It is also useful for children with low hematocrit and hemoglobin levels to consume sweet Hematogen. However, it would be a good idea to consult a specialist before using it. Because, although “Hematogen” is perceived by a child as candy, it is still classified as a drug and its excessive use can harm the child’s body.

In breastfed children, the level of red blood cells depends on the diet of the nursing mother. Therefore, timely and correct complementary feeding is also of considerable importance for the baby’s body. When a child reaches the age of 1.5 - 2 years, his diet must include dishes made from milk and meat. And, of course, it is necessary to ensure that the baby at any age receives a lot of oxygen and is in the fresh air as often as possible.

In some cases, a child’s hematocrit rate decreases not due to unbalanced nutrition and lack of oxygen, but is the cause of a pathological condition and disease. The pathology is more difficult to eliminate, for this reason it is important to diagnose it as early and accurately as possible in order to prescribe appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.

It is worth noting that if a decrease or increase in hematocrit in a child’s blood is detected, parents should not immediately panic; they should follow the recommendations of specialists as carefully as possible. Treatment of reduced hematocrit in a child is prescribed in accordance with the reasons for the decrease in its level in order to normalize the indicators. And for timely treatment and elimination of possible abnormalities, you should regularly take a general blood test.

By determining the percentage of blood plasma and a suspension of its formed elements, you can get a fairly broad understanding of the general condition of the body at the time of the examination. Very often, a reduced hematocrit in laboratory tests indicates development, so such results cannot be ignored. And so, we will figure out with you why a low hematocrit is dangerous in a man, woman and your child, what is its norm according to the person’s age and gender.

Norm

The hematocrit number is usually calculated as a percentage. However, in recent years, with the increasing use of special equipment - hemoanalyzers - in laboratory practice, there has been a transition to the use of other units of measurement. Modern laboratory equipment calculates hematocrit in l/l.

The hematocrit norm is a value that depends on gender and age category.

change over the first six years, showing a downward trend:

• only born children – 33 – 65%;
• children under 1 year – 33 – 44%;
• children aged 1 – 5 years – 32 – 41%;
• children over 6 years old – 33 – 44%.

• male population aged 18 – 45 years – 39 – 49%;
• male population over 45 years old – 40 – 50%;
• female population 18 – 45 years old – 35 – 45%;
• women over 45 years old – 35 – 47%.

From a therapeutic point of view, it is acceptable to identify a decreased blood pressure, since this is associated with an increase in the volume of circulating blood in a woman’s body against the background of an unchanged quantitative composition of formed blood cells.

Causes

Very rarely, a decrease in hematocrit in laboratory tests is due to physiological factors.

Usually, the decrease in men is due to the progression of pathological disorders in the body:

• massive blood loss as a result of various injuries, internal bleeding of various etiologies;
• fanatical adherence to diets without consultation with a nutritionist;
• impairment of motor activity, forced adherence to bed rest for a long period of time;
• , in which there is a disruption in the formation of new red blood cells;
• genetic diseases that lead to structural damage to blood cells and disruption of their life span;
• decreased properties of the blood coagulation system;
• caused by oncological lesions of the circulatory system;
• retention of a large amount of fluid in the body - hyperhydration, which is observed in diseases of the urinary system, with the development of infectious processes, during infusion therapy;
• as one of the possible complications of the second half of pregnancy.

Based on other examinations, the doctor has the opportunity to assume that a patient with reduced hematocrit values ​​has the following diseases:

• types of anemia that are accompanied by a decrease in the number of red blood cells;
• malignant forms of oncological diseases of the hematopoietic system;
• the presence of chronic foci of inflammation in the body;
• of various etiologies;
• kidney and liver diseases.

Is a decrease in the rate dangerous for children?

Initially, the norm of hematocrit number in childhood is higher than in adults, so a reduced level of hematocrit in a child’s blood immediately alerts specialists. Such results of a blood test may be the first signs of the development of pathological disorders in a child’s body, such as:

• slowing down the formation of new red blood cells in the bone marrow;
• accelerated processes;
• increasing the concentration of proteins in the blood;
• increased blood volume;
• development of an anemic state.

It is especially dangerous to detect a decrease in the hematocrit number in an infant, since the tendency at this age to generalize any pathological disorder can lead to the development of extremely severe complications.

If such abnormalities are detected in a blood test in children, it is urgent to conduct a thorough examination of all systems and organs of the child in order to differentiate the exact cause of low hematocrit. Timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment measures are the key to a positive prognosis for the course of diseases in children.

Conclusion

There is a certain category of the population in which it is possible to predict a violation of the functional abilities of the circulatory system. Knowing that they belong to a high-risk group, these people can take care in advance to take certain preventive measures that will significantly reduce the risk of a decrease in hematocrit and other parameters in a blood test. This category includes pregnant women, people with chronic pathologies of the cardiovascular system, people with impaired motor activity, who are forced to remain in bed for a long time. Also, a decrease in hematocrit in the body can occur in rapidly growing children if their diet is not balanced.

It is impossible to establish a diagnosis based only on laboratory examination data and determination of hematocrit indicators in them. A decrease in the hematocrit number in a man, woman and child requires additional examination in order to find out the true reasons that provoked this condition.

Hematocrit in children is a laboratory indicator that is detected during a general analysis of the main biological fluid of the body. The norm can fluctuate both up and down. In any case, medical attention is needed.

The reasons for deviations from normal indicators are varied - ranging from insufficient fluid intake and a large amount of salt in the diet, ending with the occurrence of ailments from many internal organs.

Symptoms that a child’s hematocrit is low or, conversely, high, very often go unnoticed, since they are masked as a sign of an underlying disease. However, there are several manifestations that may indicate the course of such a disorder.

The basis for diagnosis is a general blood test in children, but additional laboratory and instrumental examinations may be needed to determine the cause of the disease.

Treatment tactics primarily involve the use of conservative methods, including: taking medications, changing food habits and rationalizing lifestyle.

Normal values

A child's hematocrit has several normal indicators, which will differ depending on the age category.

Acceptable age indicators are shown in the following table:

It follows that the values ​​vary not only depending on age, but also on gender.

Etiology

Any deviation can be caused by both pathological and physiological predisposing factors, which differ in the course of such a disorder.

For example, if the hematocrit is elevated in a child, then this could be influenced by:

• polycystic kidney disease;
• hydronephrotic transformation of this organ;
• malignant or benign tumors in the kidneys;
• oxygen starvation of varying severity;
• insufficient fluid intake per day;
• leukemia;
• severe burn wounds;
• erythremia;
• peritonitis;
• long-term use of medications, in particular glucocorticosteroids;
• the influence of severe neuropsychic shock;
• blood transfusion;
• transfer of placental blood to the baby after birth;
• diseases of the liver, adrenal glands and cardiovascular system.

It is considered quite common to exceed normal values ​​by 1-5% in babies under one year old. In such cases, no specific treatment is required.

The hematocrit may be reduced in a child under the influence of:

• slow formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow;
• large volume of blood;
• drinking large amounts of liquid;
• anemia or anemia;
• thin blood;
• internal hemorrhages;
• renal failure;
• ingestion of large amounts of salt into the body;
• diseases of the hematopoietic system;
• pathologies of infectious nature;
• overdose of medications, for example, cytostatics;
• penetration of hemolytic poisons into the body;
• iron deficiency;
• the need to take a lying position for a long period of time;
• long-term refusal to eat.

To establish the exact reason that the hematocrit is low, a comprehensive examination in a medical institution is necessary.

Symptoms

The clinical picture is fully dictated by the etiological factor. However, each variant of the pathology described has several specific external manifestations.

If the hematocrit in the blood of children is increased, the following symptoms may appear:

• severe or mild dizziness;
• breathing problems – parents note that the child has difficulty breathing;
• numbness of hands and feet;
• constant nausea that does not end with vomiting;
• weakness that persists on a permanent basis;
• fast fatiguability;
• decreased physical activity;
• partial loss of orientation in space.

A low level of hematocrit in the blood is represented by:

• general malaise;
• shortness of breath, appearing even at rest;
• rapid fatigue;
• increased heart rate;
• constant headaches;
• increased tearfulness;
• pale skin;
• deterioration of hair condition.

It is these signs that should arouse suspicion among parents and become an impetus for seeking help from a pediatrician.

Diagnostics

Low or high hematocrit in a child, including infants, is detected based on data from a general clinical blood test. This is a procedure approved for children and does not require any preparation.

Analysis of the main biological fluid includes several successive steps:

• collection of test material;
• transferring blood into a sterile flask or test tube;
• sending the vessel to a centrifuge for 1.5 hours, where the blood is separated into its component parts;
• receipt and interpretation of results by a hematologist;
• transfer of necessary information to a pediatrician or other doctor who ordered such a laboratory test.

To establish the exact cause, the following diagnostic procedures may be necessary:

• studying the medical history - to search for the underlying ailment;
• collection and analysis of life history to determine the influence of physiological factors;
• a thorough physical examination of the patient;
• studying the condition of the child’s skin and appearance;
• measuring temperature, blood tone and heart rate;
• a detailed survey of the patient or his parents to draw up a complete picture of the course of such a disorder, which may also indicate a provoking disease.

Based on individual indications, additional laboratory tests and instrumental procedures are prescribed, as well as consultations with other specialists.

Treatment

Increasing or decreasing hematocrit is carried out only using conservative therapeutic techniques. Treatment tactics are compiled individually for each patient, which depends on the etiology, main symptoms and course of the disease.

• Oral or intravenous administration of drugs. In the vast majority of cases, doctors prescribe medications containing iron, antianemic substances, vitamin and mineral complexes, as well as immunomodulators.
• Prolonged stay in the fresh air.
• Take no less and no more than 1.5 liters of liquid orally.
• Rationalization by parents of their children's lifestyle.
• Maintaining a special diet. If the hematocrit in the child’s blood has increased, then it is necessary to enrich the diet with foods that increase the level of fluid in the body. If NBT is reduced, then you should consume a large amount of ingredients that contain iron.

It should be noted that the solution to such a problem will not be complete without eliminating the underlying disease, and this can be done by conservative or surgical methods.

Prevention and prognosis

High or low hematocrit in children can be prevented by following general simple rules, since specific recommendations have not been developed to date.

Thus, prevention provided by parents combines:

• maintaining an active lifestyle;
• proper and nutritious nutrition, enriched with all the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a growing body;
• control over the amount of salt consumed;
• drinking enough liquid per day;
• avoiding the influence of stressful situations;
• rational intake of medications - strictly as prescribed by the clinician, with strict adherence to the daily norm and duration of use;
• early detection and comprehensive treatment of any of the above pathological causes;
• Regular visits to the pediatrician and annual comprehensive examination at a medical facility.

As for the prognosis, regardless of whether the child’s hematocrit is high or low, therapy is often favorable. However, ignoring the symptoms and completely refusing qualified help can lead to the formation of undesirable consequences of the underlying disease.