All of the body can be affected by prematurity. It is simplest to think about what problems may occur by working from the top down.
- Brain - infants born before 32 weeks are at risk of Intraventricular haemorrhage. Large bleeds carry an increased risk of cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus.
- Eyes - excessive oxygen therapy in the early weeks of life can lead to Retinopathy of Prematurity in infants born before 32 weeks
- Feeding problems - infants may struggle with suck, swallow, breathing co-ordination before 33-34 weeks
- Respiratory - Respiratory Distress Syndrome occurs due to Surfactant deficiency. Surfactant is a protein produced by Type 2 Pneumatocytes that increases lung compliance. Animal derived surfactant can be given via an endotracheal tube after delivery; giving steroids to the mother prior to delivery also increases surfactant production.
- Cardiovascular - Patent Ductus Arteriosus (persistent fetal structure leading to increased left to right shunting and pulmonary oedema). May be closed by giving NSAIDs or may require surgery
- Gastro-intestinal - Immature dysmotile gut, NEC
- Renal - Excess losses (of both fluid and salts)
- Immune - Increased risk of infection due to degree of immunodeficiency, readily broken down skin and increased medical input with indwelling devices
Image from Flickr by Johnathan D. Anderson, Used under Creative Commons License