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Premature infants are not as fully developed as full-term babies. That is why they have a somewhat higher risk for certain health problems. Here are some of the conditions premature infants may experience:
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
What It Is:
RDS is a breathing problem caused by immature lungs.
Premature infants' lungs may lack a liquid substance called surfactant that
gives fully developed lungs the elastic qualities required for easy breathing.
Without surfactant, the lungs tend to collapse, forcing a tiny baby to work
harder to breathe.
Treatment:
Many infants will require a ventilator, or respirator, to
breathe for them. Artificial surfactants are now available and are very
effective in treating RDS. Many babies respond very well to this treatment. Lung
problems in premature infants usually improve within several days to several
weeks.
Chronic Lung Disease/Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
What It Is:
Babies who need oxygen for more than a month are described
as having bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or chronic lung disease. They
may need oxygen and other treatments for several weeks or months.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
What It Is:
RSV is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract
illness in infants and children. In the United States, RSV outbreaks usually
occur between October and May.Infants who get RSV may develop apnea (pauses in a
baby's breathing that last more than 15 seconds); bronchiolitis (an infection of
the small breathing tubes of the lungs); or long-term lung problems. Premature
infants and babies with BPD are at highest risk for complications from RSV
infection.
Prevention and Treatment:
RSV is very contagious. It can be spread in
the hospital or after babies are sent home. Make sure that family and friends
who visit your new baby do not have colds or other infections. Ask them to wash
their hands before touching your baby.
There is no proven effective treatment for RSV infection. As a result, your pediatrician may recommend medication to prevent RSV infection if your baby is at very high risk for serious complications.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
What It Is:
ROP is an eye disease that occurs when part of the eye,
called the retina, has not fully developed.
Treatment:
Most cases of ROP are mild and will resolve without
treatment. However, in some cases ROP can result in serious vision problems.
Severe cases of ROP are often treated with surgery. Your pediatrician will talk
to you about this treatment if it is needed.
Apnea and Bradycardia
What It Is:
Apnea refers to pauses in your baby's breathing that last
more than 15 seconds. This is common in preterm babies. When apnea occurs, the
heart rate will often decrease as well. This is called bradycardia.
Treatment: If your baby has apnea spells, your pediatrician may prescribe a medicine to help regulate breathing. Your baby's heart and breathing will also be watched by monitors. Most premature babies outgrow this before they go home. If your baby does not, he may need a home apnea monitor.
Jaundice
What It Is:
Jaundice happens because a baby's liver has not matured
enough to completely filter a yellowish substance called bilirubin from the
blood. Newborns often produce more bilirubin than their livers can handle.
Treatment:
Most cases can be treated effectively by placing the baby
under special lights. During the treatment, most of the baby's skin is exposed
and his eyes are covered to protect them from the light.
Other Health Problems
Premature infants may also develop other conditions such as anemia of prematurity (low blood cell count) and heart murmurs. Heart murmurs are sounds that the flow of blood makes as it goes through the heart. Your pediatrician and the other health care professionals caring for your baby will keep you informed about your baby's condition and progress.