ABSTRACT
Anaemia of prematurity The most common pathophysiology of anaemia of prematurity is failure of the immature kidney to secrete erythropoietin as the PCV and Hb fall below the normal range. As a result of this, the bone marrow is not stimulated, which results in failure to produce enough red cells. Other causes of anaemia in newborn babies include:
tions (e.g. blood gases) ● Haemolytic disease of the newborn ● Haemorrhage before delivery (feto-maternal haemorrhage) ● Haemorrhage at or after delivery (e.g. bleeding from the umbilical
cord)
Iron deficiency does not cause anaemia in the newborn period, but iron supplements should be given to all premature babies from the age of 28 days up to 6 months. If iron supplement is not given early, then iron deficiency anaemia is common after 3 months in all premature babies.
