Anemia of prematurity history and symptoms
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Asra Firdous, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
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.
History
The hallmark of anemia of prematurity is history of preterm birth, low birth weight, NICU admissions, and blood loss due to phlebotomy for laboratory tests.[1][2]
Symptoms
Common symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of anemia of prematurity include [3]:
- Pallor
- Lethargy
- Decreased activity
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnea and difficulty in breathing
- Feeding difficulties
- Poor weight gain
Less common symptoms
Less common signs and symptoms of anemia of prematurity include:
- Heart murmurs
- Apnea or periodic cessation of breathing
- Cold extremities
- Metabolic acidosis due to increased lactic acid accumulation from anaerobic cellular metabolism
References
- ↑ Alan S, Arsan S (2015). “Prevention of the anaemia of prematurity”. Int J Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2 (3–4): 99–106. doi:10.1016/j.ijpam.2015.10.001. PMC 6372412. PMID 30805447.
- ↑ Strauss RG (November 2010). “Anaemia of prematurity: pathophysiology and treatment”. Blood Rev. 24 (6): 221–5. doi:10.1016/j.blre.2010.08.001. PMC 2981681. PMID 20817366.
- ↑ “www.cancertherapyadvisor.com”.
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