Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome may also be associated with which hematologic finding?

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome may also be associated with which hematologic finding?

• A. Polycythemia
• B. Anemia
• C. Leukopenia
• D. Thrombocytopenia

Answer: (A)

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is an imprinting disorder characterized by overgrowth and organomegaly, and in newborns a common hematologic finding is polycythemia. This happens because placental and fetal overgrowth can create chronic fetal hypoxia, which stimulates increased erythropoietin production and expands the red cell mass. The resulting high hematocrit can lead to hyperviscosity and related complications. Anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia are not typical associations with this syndrome, so polycythemia best fits the pattern seen in affected newborns.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome is an imprinting disorder characterized by overgrowth and organomegaly, and in newborns a common hematologic finding is polycythemia. This happens because placental and fetal overgrowth can create chronic fetal hypoxia, which stimulates increased erythropoietin production and expands the red cell mass. The resulting high hematocrit can lead to hyperviscosity and related complications. Anemia, leukopenia, or thrombocytopenia are not typical associations with this syndrome, so polycythemia best fits the pattern seen in affected newborns.