Characteristics of the functional state of erythrocytes in healthy full-term newborn infants

The hematological parameters and functional status of erythrocytes were studied using osmotic and ammonium load in healthy newborns and adults. The mean erythrocyte volume in newborns was greater than in adults. Significant differences in the osmotic fragility index in newborns were observed upon the transition from swelling to hemolysis. The erythrocyte hemolysis kinetics in the ammonium load was studied by small-angle light scattering using a LaSca analyzer. The percentage of erythrocyte hemolysis was smaller and the rate of hemolysis in newborns was by a factor of 2.5 lower than in adults.