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Premature Infant Complications

According to the National Institutes of Health, a premature infant is one who is born before a 37-week gestational period. Seen in 15% of multiple births, premature delivery may also be related to health conditions in the mother, including heart and kidney disease, diabetes and infection. Early delivery is generally considered "high risk," and both mother and child may face complications during and after birth. For the infant, the earlier he is born before full term, the more likely he is at risk of severe, long-term health complications.

  1. Respiratory Complications

    • Because lungs are among the last organs to fully develop in the fetus, premature delivery can cause lung-related complications. Respiratory distress syndrome is a condition that interferes directly with the infant's breathing and may require supplemental oxygen, a neonatal respirator, intubation or medication. A corresponding complication caused from prolonged respirator use is bronchopulmonary dysplasia, which is a deterioration of the lungs.

    Pneumonia

    • Pneumonia is a common complication in preemies. This respiratory-related ailment restricts the flow of oxygen to the body and can affect other organs and develop into a severe infection. It is generally treated with antibiotics or supplemental oxygen and intubation, when necessary.

    Apnea

    • Apnea is the temporary cessation of breathing or breathing interruption in a normal sleep pattern. Because the respiratory center in the brain is not fully developed in a premature infant, it may not properly control breathing patterns during sleep. In neonatal intensive care units, a preemie with sleep apnea is placed in an incubator with an alarm to warn attending nurses when the infant fails to breathe. A simple tap on the incubator is often enough to remind the baby to breathe. Parents also can be sent home with monitors.

    Bradycardia

    • Bradycardia in preemies is a lower-than-normal (below 100 beats per minute) heartbeat. Because an improperly beating heart means that oxygen-rich blood does not reach other bodily organs, bradycardia is of concern. However, it is fairly common in preemies and usually requires no treatment once the baby and her organs are more fully developed. Monitors are used in the hospital and at home, if necessary.

    Jaundice

    • Although not uncommon in all newborns, jaundice in preemies occurs even more frequently. Hyperbilirubinemia, or an overabundance of the blood compound bilirubin, causes a yellowish tint to skin and eye whites and can be dangerous if levels are not brought down. Placing the preemie under special heat lamps is usually enough to eliminate excess bilirubin from the blood.

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