Anemia of prematurity
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Asra Firdous, M.B.B.S.[2]
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 the neonatal intensive care unit. Normally, all the newborns develop anemia during the first few weeks of their life after birth. Decreased erythropoietin production, increased erythropoietin metabolism, and shortened RBC lifespan leads to anemia in newborns. Term infants tolerate it well and do not require any treatment. This physiological anemia in newborns resolves with increasing age. Whereas, premature infants develop anemia rapidly and more profoundly. Blood loss during phlebotomy and other illness related to prematurity contribute to the development of anemia of prematurity. Severity of symptoms varies with the blood hemoglobin levels. Treatment involves blood transfusion and recombinant human erythropoietin therapy.
Historical perspective
Classification
There is no established system for the classification of anemia of prematurity.
Pathophysiology
Anemia of prematurity occurs as a result of a combination of increased blood loss or red blood cell destruction, decreased erythropoietin production, increased erythropoietin metabolism, deficient iron stores, and decreased RBC lifespan. Phlebotomy is the major contributing factor of anemia of prematurity. Term infants tolerate anemia well and do not develop any symptoms and resolve with increasing age. Whereas, in preterm infants these factors exaggerate to cause a severe form of anemia more rapidly.
Causes
Common causes of anemia of prematurity include preterm birth, blood loss during phlebotomy, increased destruction of red blood cells, and decreased production of red blood cells. Iron, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and folate deficiencies are less common causes of anemia of prematurity.
Differentiating Anemia of prematurity from other diseases
Anemia of prematurity should be differentiated from anemia due to increased red blood cell destruction, increased blood loss, and decreased red blood cell production. It should also be differentiated from other causes of normocytic normochromic anemia.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Age
Anemia of prematurity is a common problem in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It usually affects preterm and low birth weight infants born before 32-weeks of gestation. The risk of anemia of prematurity is inversely proportional to birth weight and gestational age at time of birth.
Gender
Men and women are equally likely to develop anemia of prematurity
Race
There is no racial predilection for anemia of prematurity
Risk factors
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.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Anemia of prematurity can be asymptomatic or produce abnormal clinical signs and symptoms depending on the hemoglobin levels. Mild symptoms usually resolve spontaneously without treatment. Severe symptoms require treatment with blood transfusion and erythropoietin. Untreated anemia of prematurity can lead to poor growth, apnea, and cardiovascular instability. The prognosis of anemia of prematurity is good with prompt diagnosis and early 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 are reduced hemoglobin, hematocrit, and reticulocyte count in the blood. Normocytic, normochromic RBCs and red blood cell precursors are seen predominantly on the peripheral smear of patients with anemia of prematurity.
Ultrasound
There are no ultrasound findings associated with anemia of prematurity. Cranial USG and abdominal USG can be done to exclude other causes of anemia.
Other Imaging Findings
There are no other imaging findings associated with anemia of prematurity.
Other Diagnostic Studies
There are no other diagnostic studies associated with anemia of prematurity.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Blood transfusion is the mainstay in the treatment of anemia of prematurity. Treatment of infants with anemia of prematurity depends on the severity of symptoms. Asymptomatic patients are managed with close monitoring and supportive care. Whereas, blood transfusion and recombinant erythropoietin therapy are required to treat infants with symptomatic anemia of prematurity.
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.
Secondary Prevention
There are no established measures for the secondary prevention of anemia of prematurity.
References
Historical Perspective
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References
Classification
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Asra Firdous, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
There is no established system for the classification of anemia of prematurity.
Classification
There is no established system for the classification of anemia of prematurity.
References
Pathophysiology
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 occurs as a result of a combination of increased blood loss or red blood cell destruction, decreased erythropoietin production, increased erythropoietin metabolism, deficient iron stores, and decreased RBC lifespan. Phlebotomy is the major contributing factor of anemia of prematurity. Term infants tolerate anemia well and do not develop any symptoms and resolve with increasing age. Whereas, in preterm infants these factors exaggerate to cause a severe form of anemia more rapidly.
Pathophysiology
The pathogenesis of anemia of prematurity is multifactorial. Anemia of prematurity is the result of a combination of decreased erythropoietin production, increased erythropoietin metabolism, deficient iron stores, decreased RBC lifespan, and blood loss during phlebotomy.[1][2][3]
Physiological anemia in newborns
Normally, all the newborns experience a fall in the haemoglobin concentration during the first few weeks of life. Healthy, full-term infants usually develop anemia around 10-12 weeks of life after birth. Hemoglobin concentration never falls below 10 g/dl in healthy infants. Physiological anemia is well tolerated and does not require any therapy.[2][4][5]
- After birth, an embryo transitions from a hypoxic state in-utero to an infant in a relatively hyperoxic environment
- This transition leads to an increase in blood oxygen and tissue oxygen concentration in newborns
- Increased oxygen concentration inhibits erythropoietin production and eventually stops erythropoiesis
- Due to the rapid growth and disproportionate RBC production, hemoglobin levels fall gradually in infants
- The drop in hemoglobin concentration continues until the tissue hypoxia develops which usually takes around 6-12weeks after birth
- Tissue hypoxia activates the oxygen sensors present in the kidney and liver to stimulate the erythropoietin and red blood cells (RBC) production
- Fullterm newborns have enough iron stores for erythropoiesis until 20 weeks of life
- Infants have a shorter RBC lifespan and increased erythropoietin metabolism when compared to adults[6]
Pathological Anemia of Prematurity
In preterm infants, multiple physiological factors exaggerate and combine to result in pathological anemia. Hemoglobin levels drop rapidly to less than 10 g/dl around 4-6 weeks after birth. Infants with 1-1.5 kg of birthweight have hemoglobin levels around 8 g/dl, whereas infants with birthweight less than 1 kg have hemoglobin levels around 7 g/dl or less. The profound decrease in hemoglobin levels in premature infants produce abnormal signs and symptoms and require a blood transfusion. [2][7]
- A greater proportion of fetal erythropoiesis and iron transport from mother to [[infants] occur during the third trimester. So, infants born prematurely have deficient iron stores required for the red blood cells production
- Blood loss during phlebotomy is the major contributor of anemia of prematurity
- Majority of preterm infants are sick and critically ill that require frequent blood sampling for various laboratory investigations needed for their clinical monitoring. The average amount of blood loss during sampling ranges from 0.8-3.1 ml/kg/day, a significant amount that requires replacement
- Preterm infants are at increased risk of nosocomial infections that lead to oxidative hemolysis
- In premature infants, liver is the major site of erythropoiesis. Liver EPO is less sensitive to anemia and tissue hypoxia[8]
- Preterm infants have deficient Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Folic acid stores required for red blood cells production
- A combination of blood loss, decreased erythropoietin production, deficient iron stores, increased erythropoietin metabolism, shortened RBC lifespan contribute to the development of anemia of prematurity
References
- ↑ Stockman JA, Graeber JE, Clark DA, McClellan K, Garcia JF, Kavey RE (1984). “Anemia of prematurity: determinants of the erythropoietin response”. J Pediatr. 105 (5): 786–92. doi:10.1016/s0022-3476(84)80308-x. PMID 6502312.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 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.
- ↑ “Anemia of Prematurity | Annual Review of Medicine”.
- ↑ “Anemia of Prematurity | Annual Review of Medicine”.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Widness JA, Veng-Pedersen P, Peters C, Pereira LM, Schmidt RL, Lowe LS (1996). “Erythropoietin pharmacokinetics in premature infants: developmental, nonlinearity, and treatment effects”. J Appl Physiol (1985). 80 (1): 140–8. doi:10.1152/jappl.1996.80.1.140. PMID 8847295.
- ↑ “Anemia of Prematurity | Annual Review of Medicine”.
- ↑ Dame C, Fahnenstich H, Freitag P, Hofmann D, Abdul-Nour T, Bartmann P; et al. (1998). “Erythropoietin mRNA expression in human fetal and neonatal tissue”. Blood. 92 (9): 3218–25. PMID 9787158.
Causes
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Asra Firdous, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Common causes of anemia of prematurity include preterm birth, blood loss during phlebotomy, increased destruction of red blood cells, and decreased production of red blood cells. Iron, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and folate deficiencies are less common causes of anemia of prematurity.
Causes
Life threatening causes
- There are no life-threatening causes of anemia of prematurity.
Common causes
Common causes of anemia of prematurity include[1]:
- Premature birth
- Phlebotomy for laboratory testing in preterm infants
- Increased destruction of RBC
- Shortened lifespan of RBC
- Rh-incompatibility
- Hemolytic anemias
- Decreased production of RBC
- Decreased erythropoietin production
Less common causes
Less common causes of anemia of prematurity include[2]:
- Iron, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, and Folate deficiencies
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.
- ↑ “Anemia of Prematurity | Annual Review of Medicine”.
Differentiating Anemia of prematurity from other Diseases

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 should be differentiated from anemia due to increased red blood cell destruction, increased blood loss, and decreased red blood cell production. It should also be differentiated from other causes of normocytic normochromic anemia.
Differential Diagnosis
Anemia of prematurity should be differentiated from anemia due to increased red blood cell destruction, increased blood loss, and decreased red blood cell production. Anemia of prematurity should also be differentiated from other causes of normocytic normochromic anemia.[1]
Increased RBC destruction
Anemia of prematurity should be differentiated from anemia due to increased red blood cell destruction:
- Hemolytic anemias
- Congenital fetal infections
- Sepsis
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Decrease RBC production
Anemia of prematurity should be differentiated from anemia due to decreased red blood cell production:
- Congenital fetal infections
- Diamond-Blackfan anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Bone marrow infiltration
- Drug-induced anemia
- Iron deficiency
- Folate and Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Vitamin E deficiency
Increase blood loss
Anemia of prematurity should be differentiated from anemia due to increased blood loss:
Normocytic Normochromic anemia
Differentiating Anemia of prematurity from other diseases
Anemia of prematurity must be differentiated based on different laboratory findings including mean cell volume (MCV), reticulocytosis, and hemolysis.
To review the differential diagnosis of anemia, see below table.
| Disease | Genetics | Clinical manifestation | Lab findings | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| History | Symptoms | Signs | Hemolysis | Intrinsic/
Extrinsic |
Hb concentration | MCV | RDW | Reticulocytosis | Haptoglobin levels | Hepcidin | Iron studies | Specific finding on blood smear | ||||||
| Serum iron | Serum Tfr level | Transferrin or TIBC | Ferritin | Transferrin saturation | ||||||||||||||
| Anemia of prematurity [2] | − |
|
|
− | − | Normochromic | Normocytic | Nl | ↓ | Nl | Nl | ↓ | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | ↓↓↓ | Predominant red blood cell precursors | |
| Iron deficiency anemia[3] | − |
|
− | − | Hypochromic | Microcytic | ↑ | Nl or ↓ | Nl | Nl | ↓ | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | ↓↓↓ |
| ||
| Iron deficiency anemia (early phase)[4] | − |
|
− | − | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | Nl | ↓ | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | ↓ |
| ||
| Lead poisoning[5] | − |
|
|
|
− | − | Hypochromic | Microcytic | Nl | Nl or ↓ | Nl | Nl | Nl to ↓ | Nl | Nl | Nl to ↓ | − | |
| Sideroblastic anemia[6] |
|
|
|
|
− | − | Hypochromic | Microcytic | Nl | Nl or ↓ | Nl | Nl | ↑ | Nl | Nl to ↓ | ↑ | − |
|
| Disease | Genetics | History | Symptoms | Signs | Hemolysis | Intrinsic/
Extrinsic |
Hb concentration | MCV | RDW | Reticulocytosis | Haptoglobin levels | Hepcidin | Serum iron | Serum Tfr level | IBC | Ferritin | Transferrin saturation | Specific finding on blood smear |
| Anemia of chronic disease[7] | − | − | − | − | Hypochromic | Microcytic | Nl | Nl or ↓ | Nl | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | ↓ | ↑ | − | NA | ||
| Thalassemia[8] | α-thalassemia
|
|
α-thalassemia
|
− | − | Hypochromic | Microcytic | Nl |
|
Nl | Nl | Nl to ↑ | Nl | Nl | ↑ | Nl to ↑ |
| |
| G6PD deficiency[9] |
|
+ | Intrinsic | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↑ but usually causes resolution within 4-7 days | ↓ | ↓ | Nl to ↑ | Nl | ↑ | ↑ | ↑ |
| |||
| Pyruvate kinase deficiency[10] |
|
|
|
+ | Intrinsic | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | ↑ | Nl | Nl | ↑ | − |
| |
| Disease | Genetics | History | Symptoms | Signs | Hemolysis | Intrinsic/
Extrinsic |
Hb concentration | MCV | RDW | Reticulocytosis | Haptoglobin levels | Hepcidin | Serum iron | Serum Tfr level | IBC | Ferritin | Transferrin saturation | Specific finding on blood smear |
| Sickle cell anemia[11] |
|
|
+ | Intrinsic | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | Nl or moderately ↑ | Nl | Nl | Nl or moderately ↑ | ↓ | Nl |
| ||
| HbC disease[12] |
|
|
+ | Intrinsic | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | Nl | Nl | Nl | ↓ | − |
| ||
| Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria[13][14] |
|
|
|
|
+ | Intrinsic | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | ↓ | Nl | ↑ | ↓ | − | NA |
| Hereditary spherocytosis[15] |
|
|
+ | Intrinsic | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | ↓ | Nl | ↑ | Nl | − |
| ||
| Disease | Genetics | History | Symptoms | Signs | Hemolysis | Intrinsic/
Extrinsic |
Hb concentration | MCV | RDW | Reticulocytosis | Haptoglobin levels | Hepcidin | Serum iron | Serum Tfr level | IBC | Ferritin | Transferrin saturation | Specific finding on blood smear |
| Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia[16][17] | − | Associated with |
|
+ | Extrinsic | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | ↓ | Nl | − | ↑ | − |
| |
| Macroangiopathic hemolytic anemia[18] | Associated with | + | Extrinsic | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | ↓ | Nl | − | − | − | ||||
| Autoimmune hemolytic anemia[19] | − | Associated with: |
|
|
+ | Extrinsic | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | ↓ | Nl | − | − | − |
|
| Aplastic anemia[20] |
|
|
|
− | − | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | Nl | ↓ | ↓ | Nl | ↑ | ↓ |
| |
| Disease | Genetics | History | Symptoms | Signs | Hemolysis | Intrinsic/
Extrinsic |
Hb concentration | MCV | RDW | Reticulocytosis | Haptoglobin levels | Hepcidin | Serum iron | Serum Tfr level | IBC | Ferritin | Transferrin saturation | Specific finding on blood smear |
| Folate deficiency[21] |
|
|
|
|
− | − | Anisochromic | Macrocytic | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | Nl | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | ↑ | ↑ |
|
| Vitamin B12 deficiency[22] |
|
|
|
− | − | Anisochromic | Macrocytic | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | Nl | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | ↑ | ↑ | ||
| Orotic aciduria[23] |
|
|
|
|
− | − | Anisochromic | Macrocytic | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | Nl | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | ↑ | ↑ | NA |
| Fanconi anemia[24] |
|
|
|
− | − | Anisochromic | Macrocytic | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | Nl | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | ↑ | ↑ | ||
| Disease | Genetics | History | Symptoms | Signs | Hemolysis | Intrinsic/
Extrinsic |
Hb concentration | MCV | RDW | Reticulocytosis | Haptoglobin levels | Hepcidin | Serum iron | Serum Tfr level | IBC | Ferritin | Transferrin saturation | Specific finding on blood smear |
| Diamond-Blackfan anemia[25] | Mutations in:
|
|
|
|
− | − | Anisochromic | Macrocytic | Nl | ↓ | Nl | Nl | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | ↑ | ↑ | NA |
| Infections[26] | − | Associated with | + | Extrinsic | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | Nl | Nl | − | − | − |
| ||
| Chronic kidney disease[27] | − | − | − | Normochromic | Normocytic | ↑ | Nl/↑ | Nl | ↑ | ↓ | − | ↓ | ↑ | ↓ | Nl | |||
| Liver disease[28] | − |
|
|
− | − | Anisochromic | Macrocytic | ↑ | ↑ | Nl | Nl | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | ↑ | ↑ | ||
| Alcoholism[29] | − |
|
− | − | Anisochromic | Macrocytic | ↑ | ↑ | Nl | Nl | ↑ | ↑ | ↓ | ↑ | ↑ | |||
| Disease | Genetics | History | Symptoms | Signs | Hemolysis | Intrinsic/
Extrinsic |
Hb concentration | MCV | RDW | Reticulocytosis | Haptoglobin levels | Hepcidin | Serum iron | Serum Tfr level | IBC | Ferritin | Transferrin saturation | Specific finding on blood smear |
References
- ↑ “www.cancertherapyadvisor.com”.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Camaschella C (May 2015). “Iron-deficiency anemia”. N. Engl. J. Med. 372 (19): 1832–43. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1401038. PMID 25946282.
- ↑ De Andrade Cairo RC, Rodrigues Silva L, Carneiro Bustani N, Ferreira Marques CD (June 2014). “Iron deficiency anemia in adolescents; a literature review”. Nutr Hosp. 29 (6): 1240–9. doi:10.3305/nh.2014.29.6.7245. PMID 24972460.
- ↑ Bain BJ (December 2014). “Lead poisoning”. Am. J. Hematol. 89 (12): 1141. doi:10.1002/ajh.23852. PMID 25220013.
- ↑ Bottomley SS, Fleming MD (August 2014). “Sideroblastic anemia: diagnosis and management”. Hematol. Oncol. Clin. North Am. 28 (4): 653–70, v. doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2014.04.008. PMID 25064706.
- ↑ Roy CN (2010). “Anemia of inflammation”. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2010: 276–80. doi:10.1182/asheducation-2010.1.276. PMID 21239806.
- ↑ Zainal NZ, Alauddin H, Ahmad S, Hussin NH (December 2014). “α-Thalassemia with Haemoglobin Adana mutation: prenatal diagnosis”. Malays J Pathol. 36 (3): 207–11. PMID 25500521.
- ↑ Luzzatto L, Seneca E (February 2014). “G6PD deficiency: a classic example of pharmacogenetics with on-going clinical implications”. Br. J. Haematol. 164 (4): 469–80. doi:10.1111/bjh.12665. PMC 4153881. PMID 24372186.
- ↑ Grace RF, Zanella A, Neufeld EJ, Morton DH, Eber S, Yaish H, Glader B (September 2015). “Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase deficiency: 2015 status report”. Am. J. Hematol. 90 (9): 825–30. doi:10.1002/ajh.24088. PMC 5053227. PMID 26087744.
- ↑ Singh PC, Ballas SK (March 2015). “Emerging drugs for sickle cell anemia”. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs. 20 (1): 47–61. doi:10.1517/14728214.2015.985587. PMID 25431087.
- ↑ Lemonne N, Billaud M, Waltz X, Romana M, Hierso R, Etienne-Julan M, Connes P (2016). “Rheology of red blood cells in patients with HbC disease”. Clin. Hemorheol. Microcirc. 61 (4): 571–7. doi:10.3233/CH-141906. PMID 25335812.
- ↑ Bunyaratvej A, Butthep P (January 1992). “Cytometric analysis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria erythrocytes”. J Med Assoc Thai. 75 Suppl 1: 237–42. PMID 1402472.
- ↑ Kahng J, Kim Y, Kim JO, Koh K, Lee JW, Han K (January 2015). “A novel marker for screening paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria using routine complete blood count and cell population data”. Ann Lab Med. 35 (1): 35–40. doi:10.3343/alm.2015.35.1.35. PMC 4272963. PMID 25553278.
- ↑ Da Costa L, Galimand J, Fenneteau O, Mohandas N (July 2013). “Hereditary spherocytosis, elliptocytosis, and other red cell membrane disorders”. Blood Rev. 27 (4): 167–78. doi:10.1016/j.blre.2013.04.003. PMID 23664421.
- ↑ Morishita E (July 2015). “[Diagnosis and treatment of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia]”. Rinsho Ketsueki (in Japanese). 56 (7): 795–806. doi:10.11406/rinketsu.56.795. PMID 26251142.
- ↑ George JN, Charania RS (March 2013). “Evaluation of patients with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia”. Semin. Thromb. Hemost. 39 (2): 153–60. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1333538. PMID 23390027.
- ↑ Westphal RG, Azen EA (May 1971). “Macroangiopathic hemolytic anemia due to congenital cardiovascular anomalies”. JAMA. 216 (9): 1477–8. PMID 5108522.
- ↑ Hill QA (October 2015). “Autoimmune hemolytic anemia”. Hematology. 20 (9): 553–4. doi:10.1179/1024533215Z.000000000401. PMID 26447931.
- ↑ Dolberg OJ, Levy Y (2014). “Idiopathic aplastic anemia: diagnosis and classification”. Autoimmun Rev. 13 (4–5): 569–73. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2014.01.014. PMID 24424170.
- ↑ Koike H, Takahashi M, Ohyama K, Hashimoto R, Kawagashira Y, Iijima M, Katsuno M, Doi H, Tanaka F, Sobue G (March 2015). “Clinicopathologic features of folate-deficiency neuropathy”. Neurology. 84 (10): 1026–33. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000001343. PMID 25663227.
- ↑ Hunt A, Harrington D, Robinson S (September 2014). “Vitamin B12 deficiency”. BMJ. 349: g5226. PMID 25189324.
- ↑ Grohmann K, Lauffer H, Lauenstein P, Hoffmann GF, Seidlitz G (April 2015). “Hereditary orotic aciduria with epilepsy and without megaloblastic anemia”. Neuropediatrics. 46 (2): 123–5. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1547341. PMID 25757096.
- ↑ Alter BP (2014). “Fanconi anemia and the development of leukemia”. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. 27 (3–4): 214–21. doi:10.1016/j.beha.2014.10.002. PMC 4254647. PMID 25455269.
- ↑ Vlachos A, Blanc L, Lipton JM (June 2014). “Diamond Blackfan anemia: a model for the translational approach to understanding human disease”. Expert Rev Hematol. 7 (3): 359–72. doi:10.1586/17474086.2014.897923. PMID 24665981.
- ↑ Bustinduy AL, Parraga IM, Thomas CL, Mungai PL, Mutuku F, Muchiri EM, Kitron U, King CH (March 2013). “Impact of polyparasitic infections on anemia and undernutrition among Kenyan children living in a Schistosoma haematobium-endemic area”. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 88 (3): 433–40. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.12-0552. PMC 3592521. PMID 23324217.
- ↑ Drawz P, Rahman M (June 2015). “Chronic kidney disease”. Ann. Intern. Med. 162 (11): ITC1–16. doi:10.7326/AITC201506020. PMID 26030647.
- ↑ Marks PW (July 2013). “Hematologic manifestations of liver disease”. Semin. Hematol. 50 (3): 216–21. doi:10.1053/j.seminhematol.2013.06.003. PMID 23953338.
- ↑ Yokoyama A, Yokoyama T, Brooks PJ, Mizukami T, Matsui T, Kimura M, Matsushita S, Higuchi S, Maruyama K (May 2014). “Macrocytosis, macrocytic anemia, and genetic polymorphisms of alcohol dehydrogenase-1B and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 in Japanese alcoholic men”. Alcohol. Clin. Exp. Res. 38 (5): 1237–46. doi:10.1111/acer.12372. PMID 24588059.
Epidemiology and Demographics
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 common problem in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It usually affects preterm and low birth weight infants born before 32-weeks of gestation. The risk of anemia of prematurity is inversely proportional to birth weight and gestational age at time of birth. It affects male and female infants equally with no racial predilection.
Incidence
- Anemia of prematurity is a common problem in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Each week, in the United States, 10,000 new cases of premature births are reported[1]
- Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants constitute about 6% of the premature births
- Approximately, 80-90% of ELBW infants require at least one blood transfusion due to anemia of prematurity
Age
- Anemia of prematurity is commonly seen in premature infants born before 32-weeks of gestation[2]
- The risk of anemia of prematurity is inversely proportional to weeks of gestation and weight at the time of birth
- Nearly, 50% of ELBW infants and infants born before 29 weeks of gestation require at least one blood transfusion during first two weeks of life. More than 80% of such infants receive additional blood transfusion before getting discharge from hospital[3]
Gender
The prevalence and incidence of anemia of prematurity do not vary by gender
Race
There is no racial predilection for anemia of prematurity
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.
- ↑ “Anemia of Prematurity | Annual Review of Medicine”.
- ↑ 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.
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.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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 can be asymptomatic or produce abnormal clinical signs and symptoms depending on the hemoglobin levels. Mild symptoms usually resolve spontaneously without treatment. Severe symptoms require treatment with blood transfusion and erythropoietin. Untreated anemia of prematurity can lead to poor growth, apnea, and cardiovascular instability. The prognosis of anemia of prematurity is good with prompt diagnosis and early treatment.
Natural History
- In preterm infants, anemia gets worsened due to other illness related to prematurity and blood loss during phlebotomy[1]
- Premature infants develop abnormal clinical signs and symptoms depending on the hemoglobin levels[2]
- Some infants can be asymptomatic or develop mild symptoms that require little or no therapy
- Others develop severe signs and symptoms that require treatment with blood transfusion and erythropoietin
- If left untreated, anemia of prematurity leads to cardiovascular instability
Complications
Anemia of prematurity can develop following complications[3]:
- Poor growth
- Apnea
- Cardiovascular instability
Complications that can develop as a result of the treatment of anemia of prematurity are[4]
- Infections
- Allergic reactions
- Iron overload
- Fluid overload
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Calcium disturbance
- Immune mediated adverse reactions
- Transfusion of toxic substances present in the blood
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Prognosis
- The prognosis of anemia of prematurity is good with prompt diagnosis and early treatment[5]
- Milder cases usually resolve spontaneously with age
- Without adequate treatment, anemia of prematurity will result in serious complications
References
- ↑ Strauss RG (November 2010). “Anaemia of prematurity: pathophysiology and treatment”. Blood Rev. 24 (6): 221–5. doi:10.1016/j.blre.2010.08.001. PMID 20817366.
- ↑ “www.cancertherapyadvisor.com”.
- ↑ “www.cancertherapyadvisor.com”.
- ↑ “www.cancertherapyadvisor.com”.
- ↑ “www.cancertherapyadvisor.com”.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination |Laboratory Findings | Ultrasound | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
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