What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Anaemia of Prematurity
• AOP (Anemia of Prematurity)

What is Anemia of Prematurity? (Definition/Background Information)

• Anemia of Prematurity (AOP) is a blood disorder caused by a lack of red blood cells affecting newborns. Red blood cells (RBCs) are essential in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body
• Premature babies are at a greater risk for this condition because of the physiological conditions affecting blood cell production. Infants with this condition typically have trouble gaining weight and feeding difficulties
• Typically, a complete blood cell count can be used to diagnose the condition. Some complications of Anemia of Prematurity include poor growth and apnea
• Anemia of Prematurity can be treated with erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs). The condition may be prevented by decreasing blood loss immediately after birth and performing cord blood sampling

Who gets Anemia of Prematurity? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Anemia of Prematurity is most common in newborn infants
• Both male and female babies are at risk for the condition
• No racial or ethnic group predilections have been observed

What are the Risk Factors for Anemia of Prematurity? (Predisposing Factors)

The following are common risk factors for Anemia of Prematurity: 

• Family history of the condition
• Problems during delivery
• Blood loss during birth
• Being a twin with a twin-to-twin transfusion
• Poor diet that is lacking in certain nutrients (iron, vitamin B6 or B12) for both the newborn infant and mother
• Low birth weight

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Anemia of Prematurity? (Etiology)

The following are the possible causes of Anemia of Prematurity (AOP): 

• It is thought to be caused by blood loss because of problems during labor and delivery
• Low production of red blood cells due to either nutritional deficiencies or infectious diseases (e.g., rubella)
• Hereditary disorders affecting blood cell production are also known to cause AOP in infants

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Anemia of Prematurity?

The following are some of the common signs and symptoms associated with Anemia of Prematurity:

• Pale skin
• Low activity level
• Feeding issues
• Inability to gain weight
• Difficulty breathing
• Fast heart rate

How is Anemia of Prematurity Diagnosed?

The following tools may be used to diagnose Anemia of Prematurity:

• A complete physical examination and taking of medical history
• Blood tests: A complete blood count (CBC) test may show a decrease in the number of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets
• Other investigations may be necessary depending on the underlying cause

Many clinical conditions can have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the Possible Complications of Anemia of Prematurity?

The following are the possible complications associated with Anemia of Prematurity:

• Poor growth and malnutrition
• Apnea
• Cardiovascular instability
• A variety of neurodevelopmental issues, such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, deafness, and blindness, in case of a delayed diagnosis and/or treatment

How is Anemia of Prematurity Treated?

The treatment of Anemia of Prematurity depends on the severity and the cause of the condition. In infants with mild Anemia of Prematurity, the condition usually resolves itself.

When treatment is necessary, the following options may be considered:

• Supplemental iron intake
• Nutritional improvement
• Blood transfusions (usually required in severe cases)

How can Anemia of Prematurity be Prevented?

Anemia of Prematurity can be prevented by getting proper prenatal care throughout the pregnancy and taking steps to avoid premature births, such as eating healthy, avoiding alcohol, and managing any chronic conditions.

• Generally, providing proper nutrition for infants can also help minimize the risk of the condition
• A prevention of the condition depends on adequate management of the underlying cause

What is the Prognosis of Anemia of Prematurity? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Spontaneous recovery of mild Anemia of Prematurity (AOP) generally occurs 3-6 months after birth
• In more severe, symptomatic cases, medical intervention may be required, such as via blood transfusions and supplements

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Anemia of Prematurity:

The functions of the three primary blood cells produced in the bone marrow include:

• RBCs or erythrocytes: They carry and deliver oxygen from the lungs to the tissues so that they can carry out cellular respiration
• WBCs or leukocytes: These cells fight against infection and also play a role in inflammation
• Platelets: These cells help in clot formation whenever there is a bleeding