Anemia of prematurity risk factors
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 serious problem in preterm infants. Common risk factors in the development of anemia of prematurity are preterm birth, low birth weight, and excess blood loss during phlebotomy. Less common risk factors are family history of anemia, anemia and nutritional deficiencies in mother during pregnancy, multiple gestations, complications during pregnancy and delivery, blood loss during pregnancy and delivery, and twin-to-twin transfusion.
Risk Factors
Common risk factors
Common risk factors in the development of anemia of prematurity include[1][2]:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Excess blood loss during phlebotomy for laboratory investigation in preterm infants
Less common risk factors
Less common risk factors in the development of anemia of prematurity include[3]:
- Family history of anemia
- Multiple gestations
- Anemia during pregnancy
- Complications during pregnancy and delivery
- Excess blood loss during pregnancy and delivery
- Twin-to-twin transfusion
- Nutritional deficiency of iron, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 in mother
References
- ↑ Strauss RG (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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Sekretar LB (1998). “[The risk factors for early anemia in premature infants]”. Lik Sprava (6): 114–7. PMID 9844893.
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH