The time spent during pregnancy helps a baby to develop physically and prepares him to enter the world. Premature babies are born early and may not have adequate reserves to protect themselves from exposure to illness after birth. Premature babies are born at less than 37 weeks gestation. Some medical issues are typical with these preemies.
Respiratory Issues
The lungs of a baby are one of the last physical developments before birth. Infants born early may be at risk of developing pulmonary issues and may need to be on extra oxygen or a ventilator. Some infants have apnea, which is an intermittent lack of breathing. This can occur due to underdevelopment of the brain when it tells the body to take a breath. Infants with apnea may need to be placed on medications to stimulate breathing. Long-term oxygen and ventilator use can lead to scarring of the delicate tissues of the lungs, leading to a chronic condition called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Children with BPD may have decreased lung function for years.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Prematurity can mean an immature digestive system, and babies who do not tolerate feedings may develop necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is an intestinal infection that, if left untreated, can lead to perforation of the bowel, overwhelming sepsis and death. According to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, of the cases of NEC that are diagnosed, about 80 percent involve preemies. NEC is diagnosed by symptoms of a swollen abdomen, frequent episodes of apnea, and bloody stools. Treatment involves stopping feedings to rest the gut and placing the infant on antibiotics. In severe cases, surgical removal of the affected portion of the intestine may be necessary.
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease that causes damage to the tiny blood vessels of the retina, and can lead to vision loss; retinal detachment; and blindness. The underdevelopment of the eye vessels puts premature babies at risk for ROP, and the earlier a baby is born, the greater the risk of developing the disease. An ophthalmologist will examine the eyes of premature infants on a regular basis to determine if there is damage to the vessels. Those at increased risk are seen frequently to monitor the progression of the disease. Treatment may be done by laser therapy to reduce the risk of detachment of the retina.
Hyperbilirubinemia
Immature organ function can lead to hyperbilirubinemia in the premature baby. Approximately 80 percent of preemies develop this condition, as stated by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Bilirubin comes from red blood cells in the body and is excreted by the liver. In preterm babies, the liver may be immature and unable to excrete adequate amounts of bilirubin, resulting in high blood levels. Hyperbilirubinemia can cause jaundice, a yellow-colored tinge to the skin and eyes. If left untreated, high levels can cause brain damage. Treatment for hyperbilirubinemia is through phototherapy, which reduces the amount of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Severe cases are treated with an exchange transfusion: a process where a physician must remove the baby's blood and replace it with new blood.
Anemia
Prematurity can result in a low production of red blood cells, causing anemia. Because red blood cells help carry oxygen to parts of the body, a baby with anemia may have trouble oxygenating body tissues as well. Frequent laboratory testing can reduce the amount of a baby's blood. The overall effect of frequent blood work can result in decreased blood in the body without the capacity to keep up in replacing it. Premature babies may be given iron supplements and may have breast milk supplemented with nutritional additives to treat anemia.
References
- Troy University: Lung Problems due to Premature Birth
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: Necrotizing Enterocolitis
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: Retinopathy of Prematurity
- About Kids Health: Treatment of Anemia of Prematurity
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Hyperbilirubinemia and Jaundice
