Health Problems in Preemies
Premature Infants at Higher Risk of Certain Health Conditions
May 18, 2009
Nine common health problems according to the Nemours Organization are discussed below.
Apnea
With apnea, an infant stops breathing, heart rate may decrease and skin may turn pale, purple or blue. It does become less frequent with age and almost all infants born at 30 weeks or earlier will experience apnea.
If apnea happens often, medication or a special nasal device may be prescribed, but it can be treated as simply as gently stimulating the infant to start breathing again.
Hyperbilirubinemia
This is a very treatable condition in premature babies. It affects 80 percent of premature infants. Infants with this condition have high levels of bilirubin, which causes jaundice, a yellow discoloration of skin and the eyes. Extremely high levels of bilirubin can cause brain damage so when premature infants do get this condition, they are monitored very closely for jaundice and are treated quickly before anything reaches a dangerous level.
Anemia
Anemia is the lack of red blood cells necessary to carry adequate oxygen to the body. Premature infants can develop this condition because they don’t make many new red blood cells and the cells do not have a shelf life as long as an adult’s. Premature infants, especially those who weigh less than 1,000 grams (2.2 pounds), may require a blood transfusion.
Low Blood Pressure
This is very common shortly after delivery. It is treated by increasing fluid intake and/or prescribing medicine. If the blood pressure is low due to blood loss, a blood transfusion may be required.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
This is a breathing difficulty condition. The premature infant’s lungs don’t produce enough surfactant which allows the inner surface of the lungs to expand properly when changing from womb breathing to air breathing after delivery.
To treat this condition, many premature infants will require a ventilator. If premature delivery can’t be stopped, before delivery the woman will be given medication to speed up the production of surfactant. After that, artificial surfactant will be given to the infant several times.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
This is a common lung problem in premature infants. It is treated with medication and oxygen. Extreme prematurity, severe RDS, infections and prolonged use of oxygen and/or a ventilator can contribute to developing this condition.
Infection
Any body part at any time can be susceptible to infection among premature infants. Bacterial infections may be treated with antibiotics. Viral and fungal infections can be treated with other medication.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
The function of the ductus arteriosus (blood vessel that connects the main blood vessel supplying the lungs to the aorta) is to allow blood to bypass the lungs. The ductus arteriosus should close shortly after birth but in premature infants it stays open. When open, excess blood flows into the lungs and can cause difficulty breathing and sometimes heart failure.
This condition can be treated with indomethacin or ibuprofen. If this does not close the ductus arteriosus, surgery may be required.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Abnormal growth of blood vessels in a premature infant’s eyes is called retinopathy of prematurity. The damage can be anywhere from mild injury (needing glasses) to blindness. The cause for this condition is still unknown. While in the NCIU, premature infants may receive eye exams to check for ROP.
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