The Development of the Cutaneous Microvascular System in the Newborn

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SUMMARY.– The development of the cutaneous capillaries has been studied in 40 infants aged 1 day to 17 weeks. At birth there is a disorderly capillary network. There is a gradual development to an orderly subpapilliary plexus and papillary loops by 14th–17th week of life. In areas of creases this development is delayed, while in the palms, soles and nail folds there is an early development of capillary loops. An attempt has been made to correlate this development with certain dynamic physiological processes during the neonatal period as well as with exposure to the cold environment. These physiological processes are: (a) increase in skin surface area (b) increased blood viscosity related to (i) increased haematocrit (ii) decreased oxygen tension (iii) low blood pressure (iv) increased transudation of fluid from blood vessels (v) decreased sedimentation rate (vi) decreased red cell flexibility.