Anemia in premature infants

Anemia of Prematurity

What is anemia in preterm infants?

Anemia – low levels of red blood cells. The erythrocytes are responsible for oxygen uptake in the lungs and its delivery to other organs. The low level of red blood impedes its delivery to other organs, and they do not receive enough oxygen. If the anemia is severe, this can lead to serious health problems. Anemia of prematurity occurs in premature infants, who were born before, than expected.

Causes of anemia of prematurity

Infants are more prone to anemia, because:

• Red blood cell production slows down temporarily for all newborns immediately after birth (This is especially noticeable in premature babies);
• Development of blood can not keep up the growth of the child;
• Red blood cells have a shorter life expectancy in children compared with adults.

Anemia of prematurity can be caused by one or more of the following symptoms::

• The blood loss resulting:
  • Complications during childbirth;
  • Blood sampling for testing (Regular blood tests are needed to monitor the health of premature infants);
• Reduced production of red blood cells as a result of the following problems:
  • Power Problems;
  • Certain infections, such as rubella or parvovirus, that affect the bone marrow (bone marrow produces red blood cells);
• The destruction of red blood cells may occur under the following conditions:
  • Blood incompatibility of mother and child (Rh incompatibility);
  • Hereditary diseases.

Risk factors for anemia of prematurity

Factors, that may increase the risk of anemia in preterm include:

• A family history of anemia;
• Complications during childbirth;
• Blood loss during delivery;
• Disease, requiring a large amount of heart pumping blood;
• Twins with twin-twin transfusion syndrome, fetal;
• Poor diet, particularly low content of iron in the diet, vitamin B6 or B12.

Symptoms of anemia of prematurity

Mild anemia may be asymptomatic. Symptoms of moderate or severe anemia can include:

• Paleness;
• Slowness;
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing;
• Difficulty during feeding;
• Slow weight gain;
• Periods, under which the cessation of breathing.

Diagnosis of anemia of prematurity

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history of the child, and perform a physical examination. They will need blood tests, that:

• Count the number of red blood cells;
• Determine, how quickly red blood cells are produced;
• Find signs of destruction of red blood cells;
• Measure the levels of iron and vitamin B in the blood.

The diagnosis will be delivered on the basis of a blood test. Results of analyzes can also help determine the cause of anemia.

Treatment of anemia in preterm

Treatment will depend on the cause of anemia. Mild anemia, perhaps, It does not require treatment. The doctor will monitor the status of a child's blood. Blood tests may be necessary to monitor the overall health status of the child, time to notice the deterioration of health.

Embodiments of treating anemia of prematurity include:

Optimizing nutrition in anemia of prematurity

Nutrition plays a major role in the treatment of anemia. The right foods will help the body to increase the child's production of red blood cells.

The lack of certain nutrients can be contrary, hinder the production of red blood cells. Iron is an important component of red blood cells. A few weeks after the birth of a child can be assigned to iron preparations.

Erythropoietin treatment of anemia in preterm

Erythropoietin – One of the hormones in the human body. It stimulates the production of red blood cells. Additional erythropoietin may be provided infant, to activate the production of red blood cells by the body.

This procedure is often prescribed in addition to a special diet.

Blood transfusions for anemia in premature

In severe cases of anemia may require blood transfusions, that allows you to quickly increase the level of red blood cells Baby.

Sometimes it may be necessary to more than one blood transfusion.

Prevention of anemia of prematurity

To reduce the likelihood of anemia in the premature baby, Follow these steps::

• Organize your child proper nutrition;
• Get the proper prenatal care during pregnancy;
• Take measures to prevent preterm birth, including:
• Avoid alcohol, Smoking Area, drugs;
• Eat healthy, a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables;
• Keep under control of chronic diseases.