Fluid Supplementation versus No Fluid Supplementation in Late Preterm and Term Neonates with Asymptomatic Polycythemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To compare supplemental intravenous fluids with no supplementation in asymptomatic polycythemic late preterm and term neonates. Methods: 55 infants with venous haematocrit of 65-75 were randomly allocated to receive either 25 mL/kg IV normal saline over 6-8 hours or routine fluids. They were followed up for 48 hours. Results: There was no significant difference between fluid supplementation and control groups regarding need for partial exchange transfusion [6/27 (22.2%) vs 8/28 (28.6%); P=0.59]. Conclusions: We did not find any evidence of clinical benefit with IV fluid supplementation in late preterm and term neonates with asymptomatic polycythemia (PCV 65-75).