P61: Other perinatal haematological disorders

P61.4: Other congenital anaemias, not elsewhere classified

Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Red blood cells contain the red hemoglobin that gives blood its color. This pigment is important for carrying oxygen in the blood.

When there is too little red pigment in the blood, the child may show a variety of indications. The child might be pale and have breathing problems. The heart may beat faster than usual. The child might have a sucking weakness and grow more slowly than is normal.