Anemia of prematurity (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{Anemia of prematurity}} | {{Anemia of prematurity}} | ||
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{Asra}} | |||
==Overview== | |||
[[Anemia of prematurity]] is a [[conditions|condition]] where [[red blood cell]] production is decreased due to reduced [[erythropoietin]] production. It is commonly seen in [[premature|preterm]] [[infant|infants]] admitted in the [[neonatal intensive care unit]]. | |||
==What are the symptoms of anemia of prematurity?== | |||
[[Symptom|Symptoms]] of [[anemia of prematurity]] include one or more of the following: | |||
*[[Pallor|Pale skin]] | |||
*[[Lethargy]] | |||
*Decreased activity | |||
*Difficulty [[breathing]] | |||
*Rapid [[heart rate]] | |||
*Poor weight gain | |||
*[[Feeding difficulties]] | |||
==What causes anemia of prematurity?== | |||
*[[Premature|Preterm]] birth | |||
*[[Blood loss]] during phlebotomy for laboratory investigations | |||
==Who is at highest risk?== | |||
*[[Preterm|Premature]] [[infant|infants]] | |||
*[[Extremely low birth weight]] [[infant|infants]] | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
[[Blood tests]] show | |||
*Low [[hemoglobin]] levels | |||
*Low [[red blood cell]] count | |||
*Low [[hematocrit]] levels | |||
*Loe [[reticulocyte]] count | |||
A [[peripheral blood smear]] shows [[normocytic]], [[normochromic]] [[red blood cells]] with predominant [[red blood cell]] precursors | |||
==Treatment options== | |||
*Mild [[disease]] needs close monitoring and supportive care | |||
*[[Infants|Infants]] with moderate to severe [[anemia]] require [[blood transfusion]] or [[erythropoietin]] [[therapy]] | |||
==Prevention== | |||
*Limit [[blood loss]] during [[phlebotomy]] | |||
*Improve [[placental transfusion]] by following two methods | |||
**Delayed [[cord clamping]] | |||
**[[Umbilical cord]] milking | |||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?== | |||
With prompt [[diagnosis]] and early [[treatment]], [[symptom|symptoms]] resolve without any [[complication|complications]] in [[infant|infants]] with [[anemia of prematurity]]. If left untreated, [[anemia of prematurity]] leads to serious [[complication|complications]] | |||
==Possible complications== | |||
[[Complication|Complications]] include: | |||
*[[Poor growth]] | |||
*[[Apnea]] | |||
*[[Cardiovascular]] instability | |||
==Sources== | |||
* The National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist|2}} | {{Reflist|2}} | ||
[[Category:Hematology]] | [[Category:Hematology]] | ||
[[Category:Disease]] | [[Category:Disease]] | ||
Latest revision as of 17:39, 9 August 2020
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Asra Firdous, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Anemia of prematurity is a condition where red blood cell production is decreased due to reduced erythropoietin production. It is commonly seen in preterm infants admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit.
What are the symptoms of anemia of prematurity?
Symptoms of anemia of prematurity include one or more of the following:
- Pale skin
- Lethargy
- Decreased activity
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Poor weight gain
- Feeding difficulties
What causes anemia of prematurity?
- Preterm birth
- Blood loss during phlebotomy for laboratory investigations
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
Blood tests show
- Low hemoglobin levels
- Low red blood cell count
- Low hematocrit levels
- Loe reticulocyte count
A peripheral blood smear shows normocytic, normochromic red blood cells with predominant red blood cell precursors
Treatment options
- Mild disease needs close monitoring and supportive care
- Infants with moderate to severe anemia require blood transfusion or erythropoietin therapy
Prevention
- Limit blood loss during phlebotomy
- Improve placental transfusion by following two methods
- Delayed cord clamping
- Umbilical cord milking
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
With prompt diagnosis and early treatment, symptoms resolve without any complications in infants with anemia of prematurity. If left untreated, anemia of prematurity leads to serious complications
Possible complications
Complications include:
- Poor growth
- Apnea
- Cardiovascular instability
Sources
- The National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/.