[Jaundice caused by microangiopathic hemolysis associated to septicemia in the newborn]

A group of values were prospectively analyzed in 24 infants under 3 months, of age, who showed over 3% fragmented RBC's with no history of blood transfusions. Results were compared with those obtained in group of 26 infants of the same age and less than 1% fragmented RBC's. These infants with over 3% fragmented cells were found to have a significant association with: sepsis, jaundice, crenated RBC's, low levels of hemoglobin, increased reticulocyte count, and low vitamin E levels. No relationship was found with weight at birth, feeding history and disseminated intravascular coagulation. No cases of hemangioma or cardiac diseases were found. These findings are commented.