Low retic is observed in infants treated with IUT and in those with HDN from anti-Kell. Neutrophils – as neutropenia is one of the complications of HDN, the neutrophil count should be checked. Thrombocytes - as thrombocytopenia is one of the complications of HDN, the thrombocyte count should be checked. Bilirubin should be tested from cord blood. Ferritin – because most infants affected by HDN have iron overload, a ferritin must be run before giving the infant any additional iron. Newborn Screening Tests – Transfusion with donor blood during pregnancy or shortly after birth can affect the results of the Newborn Screening Tests. It is recommended to wait and retest 10–12 months after last transfusion. In some cases, DNA testing from saliva can be used to rule out certain conditions. Treatment
After birth, treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but could include temperature stabilization and monitoring, phototherapy, transfusion with compatible packed red blood, exchange transfusion, sodium bicarbonate for correction of acidosis and/or assisted ventilation. Phototherapy – Exposure to ultraviolet light (phototherapy) is recommended when the cord bilirubin is 3 or higher. Some doctors use it at lower levels while awaiting lab results. This converts unconjugated bilirubin to an conjugated form that is easier for the infant to clear. IVIG - IVIG has been used to successfully treat many cases of HDN. It has been used not only on anti-D, but on anti-E as well. IVIG can be used to reduce the need for exchange transfusion and to shorten the length of phototherapy.
Beta-blockers may slow the heart rate to a dangerous level if prescribed with calcium channel blocker-type medications. Bradycardia is also part of the mammalian diving reflex. Diagnosis
A diagnosis of bradycardia in adults is based on a heart rate less than 60 BPM, although some studies use a heart rate of less than 50 BPM. This is determined usually either by palpation or ECG. If symptoms occur, a determination of electrolytes may be helpful in determining the underlying cause. Management
The treatment of bradycardia is dependent on whether or not the person is stable or unstable. Stable
Emergency treatment is not needed if the person is asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic. Unstable
If a person is unstable, the initial recommended treatment is intravenous atropine. Doses less than 0.5 mg should not be used, as this may further decrease the rate. If this is not effective, intravenous inotrope infusion (dopamine, epinephrine) or transcutaneous pacing should be used. Transvenous pacing may be required if the cause of the bradycardia is not rapidly reversible.In children, giving oxygen, supporting their breathing, and chest compressions are recommended. Epidemiology
In clinical practice, elderly people over age 65 and young athletes of both sexes may have sinus bradycardia. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2011 that 15.2% of adult males and 6.9% of adult females had clinically-defined bradycardia (a resting pulse rate below 60 BPM). Society and culture
Records
Daniel Green holds the world record for the slowest heartbeat in a healthy human, with a heart rate measured in 2014 of 26 BPM.