Anemia of prematurity overview: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 2: Line 2:
{{Anemia of prematurity}}
{{Anemia of prematurity}}


{{CMG}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{Asra}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
'''Anemia of prematurity''' is a normochromic, normocytic [[anemia]] commonly seen in [[premature birth|premature]] infants cared for in the[[neonatal intensive care unit]].   
'''Anemia of prematurity''' is a normochromic, normocytic [[anemia]] commonly seen in [[premature birth|premature]] infants cared for in the[[neonatal intensive care unit]].   
==Pathophysiology==
[[Anemia of prematurity]] is multifactorial in origin. [[Phlebotomy]] is the major contributing factor. Other important factors are decreased [[erythropoietin]] production, increased [[erythropoietin]] [[metabolism]], deficient [[iron]] stores, and decreased [[RBC]] lifespan.
==Causes==
[[Anemia of prematurity]] may be caused by a combination of [[blood loss]], decreased [[red blood cells| RBC]] production, and shortened lifespan of [[red blood cells| RBC]].
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
[[Anemia of prematurity]] is a common problem in [[NICU]]. It usually affects [[preterm]] and [[low birth weight]] [[infants]] born before 32-weeks of [[gestation]]. It affects male and female [[infants]] equally with no racial predilection.
==Risk factors==
Common [[risk factors]] in the development of [[anemia of prematurity]] are [[preterm birth]], [[low birth weight]], and excess [[blood loss]] during [[phlebotomy]].
==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis==
Common [[complication|complications]] of [[anemia of prematurity]] include [[poor growth]], [[apnea]], and [[cardiovascular instability]]. The [[prognosis]] of [[anemia of prematurity]] is good with [[treatment]]
==Diagnosis==
===History and Symptoms===
Majority of patients with [[anemia of prematurity]] are either [[asymptomatic]] or develop vague and non-specific [[symptom|symptoms]]. They usually present with [[pallor]] and [[lethargy]]. Decreased activity, [[breathing difficulties]], [[feeding difficulties]], and difficulty in gaining [[weight]] are common [[symptom|symptoms]]. Less common [[symptom|symptoms]] are [[tachycardia]], [[heart murmurs]], and [[metabolic acidosis]].
===Physical Examination===
Patients with [[anemia of prematurity]] usually appear [[pale]] and [[lethargic]]. [[Physical examination]] of patients with [[anemia of prematurity]] is usually remarkable for [[pallor]], decreased activity, and [[poor growth].
===Laboratory Findings===
[[Laboratory findings]] consistent with the [[diagnosis]] of [[anemia of prematuriy]] reduced [[hemoglobin]], [[hematocrit]], and [[reticulocyte count]] in the [[blood]].
===Ultrasound===
===Other Imaging Findings===
===Other Diagnostic Studies===
==Treatment==
===Medical Therapy===
[[PRBC]] [[transfusion]] is the mainstay in the [[treatment]] of [[anemia of prematurity]]. [[Treatment]] of [[infant|infants]] with [[anemia of prematurity]] depends on the severity of [[symptom|symptoms]]. [[Blood transfusion]] and recombinant [[erythropoietin]] [[therapy]] are used to treat [[symptomatic]] [[infant|infants]].
===Primary Prevention===
Effective measures for the [[primary prevention]] of [[anemia of prematurity]] include limiting [[blood loss]] during [[phlebotomy]], [[cord blood]] sampling for the [[laboratory investigations]], and improving [[placental transfusion]].


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 15:49, 27 July 2020

Anemia of prematurity Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Anemia of prematurity from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Ultrasound

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Anemia of prematurity overview On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Anemia of prematurity overview

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Anemia of prematurity overview

on Anemia of prematurity overview

Anemia of prematurity overview in the news

Blogs on Anemia of prematurity overview

Directions to Hospitals Treating Anemia of prematurity

Risk calculators and risk factors for Anemia of prematurity overview

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 normochromic, normocytic anemia commonly seen in premature infants cared for in theneonatal intensive care unit.

Pathophysiology

Anemia of prematurity is multifactorial in origin. Phlebotomy is the major contributing factor. Other important factors are decreased erythropoietin production, increased erythropoietin metabolism, deficient iron stores, and decreased RBC lifespan.

Causes

Anemia of prematurity may be caused by a combination of blood loss, decreased RBC production, and shortened lifespan of RBC.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Anemia of prematurity is a common problem in NICU. It usually affects preterm and low birth weight infants born before 32-weeks of gestation. It affects male and female infants equally with no racial predilection.

Risk factors

Common risk factors in the development of anemia of prematurity are preterm birth, low birth weight, and excess blood loss during phlebotomy.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Common complications of anemia of prematurity include poor growth, apnea, and cardiovascular instability. The prognosis of anemia of prematurity is good with treatment

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Majority of patients with anemia of prematurity are either asymptomatic or develop vague and non-specific symptoms. They usually present with pallor and lethargy. Decreased activity, breathing difficulties, feeding difficulties, and difficulty in gaining weight are common symptoms. Less common symptoms are tachycardia, heart murmurs, and metabolic acidosis.

Physical Examination

Patients with anemia of prematurity usually appear pale and lethargic. Physical examination of patients with anemia of prematurity is usually remarkable for pallor, decreased activity, and [[poor growth].

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of anemia of prematuriy reduced hemoglobin, hematocrit, and reticulocyte count in the blood.

Ultrasound

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

PRBC transfusion is the mainstay in the treatment of anemia of prematurity. Treatment of infants with anemia of prematurity depends on the severity of symptoms. Blood transfusion and recombinant erythropoietin therapy are used to treat symptomatic infants.

Primary Prevention

Effective measures for the primary prevention of anemia of prematurity include limiting blood loss during phlebotomy, cord blood sampling for the laboratory investigations, and improving placental transfusion.

References

Template:WH Template:WS