Some of the complications of premature babies should be watched out for

In general, babies born prematurely have several problems related to their physical condition. This is because they are not 100% ready when they come out of the womb. As a result, some of the organs of a premature baby are not functioning properly. Apart from breathing problems, here are some complications that can also occur in premature babies that need to be known.

Short-term complications in premature babies

The lungs are the last organs to develop when the baby is in the womb. Usually, a baby's lungs are considered complete at week 36, but there are exceptions in certain cases.

That is why, babies who are born prematurely usually have lungs that have not developed optimally, so they are prone to various complications.

If the baby has to be born sooner than expected, some expectant mothers usually need steroid injections to get their lungs ready faster. However, not only the lungs, complications can also occur in other areas.

Here are some of the short-term complications that usually arise in premature babies:

1. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a condition in which the baby needs additional oxygen for several weeks.

The main cause of complications in premature babies is not known with certainty. However, researchers suspect that BPD develops as a result of using a ventilator.

Although the incubator works to help your baby's survival, it turns out that the ventilator that is installed also has the potential to increase the risk of inflammation that leads to BPD.

On the other hand, if the premature baby is not supported by a ventilator, the baby will have difficulty breathing.

Therefore, doctors usually use inhaled drugs or diuretics at a certain age so that the baby can get rid of additional oxygen dependence from the ventilator.

2. Respiratory distress syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome (respiratory distress syndrome) is one of the leading causes of premature infant mortality. This occurs when the baby's immature lungs do not have sufficient protective substances, namely surfactants.

Surfactants are substances that are produced in the lungs and are responsible for helping to keep the baby's lungs developing. If there is not enough surfactant, the baby will find it difficult to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

Therefore, premature babies who experience lung complications in the form of respiratory distress syndrome are often given oxygen cylinders and surfactant replacements.

Respiratory distress syndrome can cause more severe consequences than BPD, such as adult asthma and death. However, if treated properly, this syndrome lasts only a few weeks to months.

3. Apnea

According to a journal from American Academy of Pediatrics , nearly 100% of preterm infants born before the 28th week develop apnea.

Apnea, which also characterizes premature babies, is a respiratory disorder that provides a pause of breathing for 15 seconds (stopping breathing).

These complications or lung disorders in premature babies do not usually occur immediately after birth. This condition usually occurs 1-2 weeks after the premature baby is born, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

Some of the causes that cause apnea in premature babies include:

• Babies forget to breathe because their nervous systems are still immature. This situation is called central apnea.
• The baby is trying to breathe, but the respiratory tract is difficult to pass, so air does not enter and exit the lungs.

4.Interventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)

According to Lucille Packard Children's Hospital, a hospital at Stanford University, this complication often occurs in premature babies who weigh less than 1.3-2.2 kg of birth weight.

This condition occurs when the veins in the brain of the premature baby burst. This creates a pool of blood in the brain that can damage nerve cells and is followed by respiratory distress.

The doctor will do an examination ultrasound to help determine how much bleeding the baby's head is bleeding. The higher the value, the greater the damage to the baby's brain.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, the earlier the baby is born, the greater the complications of this premature baby. Most recover with little impact, but in others permanent brain injury may also occur.

5. Metabolic problems

Another complication in premature babies is experiencing a condition called hypoglycemia. This can happen because premature babies usually have smaller glucose stores than full-term babies.

Not only that, premature babies also find it more difficult to convert active glucose to be more beneficial to the body.

6. Digestive system problems

Premature babies are more likely to have immature digestive systems. This can also lead to complications such as Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).

You have to be careful because this condition is quite serious, where the cells that line the intestinal wall are injured and occur when the baby starts breastfeeding. This complication has a lower risk if the premature baby only gets breast milk intake.

7. Jaundice

Premature babies may also develop complications from jaundice when bilirubin builds up in the blood. As a result, the skin will appear yellowish.

Jaundice can occur in babies of any race or color. The fix is ​​to place the baby who is not wrapped in clothes under a special light (eyes must be covered to protect it).

8. Difficult to regulate body temperature

One of the characteristics of premature babies is that they do not have normal body fat so they cannot produce heat. If the body temperature is too low, hypothermia can develop, which can lead to breathing problems.

Therefore, premature babies who experience these complications are required to be in the incubator first.

Long-term complications in premature babies

There are various causes of babies born prematurely. If the baby does not get the chance to fully develop in the womb, chances are they may experience some disorders of their organs.

Therefore, you also need to know how to properly care for premature babies. Apart from short-term complications, here are the long-term complications that may occur in premature babies:

1. Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)

Periventricular leukomalacia is the second most common complication involving the nervous system in the brain of premature babies. PVL is a condition of damage to the nerves in the baby's brain which functions to regulate movement, the part of the brain involved is called the white substance.

It is still unknown what causes PVL, but these areas of the brain's white substance are indeed more susceptible to damage. Babies with this condition are at increased risk of developing cerebral palsy and developmental disorders.

2. Cerebral palsy

Premature babies with low birth weight have a strong association with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a condition where brain injury or brain malformation occurs during brain development before, during, or after birth.

The condition of brain injury or malformation can occur due to various factors when the formation of brain nerves is disturbed. The result of cerebral palsy in premature babies makes their movements different from other babies.

Starting from how the body controls muscle movement, muscle coordination, muscle contraction, body balance, and body posture.

Doctors don't know the exact cause of complications in premature babies such as cerebral palsy. However, the earlier or prematurely the baby is born, the greater the risk of experiencing cerebral palsy.

3. Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which the accumulation of fluid in the brain. The accumulation of fluid causes enlargement of the ventricles of the brain, so that the pressure of the brain tissue also increases.

This condition causes complications so that the head shape of premature babies with hydrocephalus will look enlarged.

Reported on the page of the Hydrocephalus Association, babies born prematurely have a greater risk of developing hydrocephalus. Either due to IVH complications and then experiencing hydrocephalus, or indeed experiencing direct hydrocephalus.

It is not yet known the exact cause of this hydrocephalus. The doctor will diagnose hydrocephalus with an MRI, CT scan or Cranial ultrasound.

Furthermore, hydrocephalus treatment will be carried out by inserting a device that can help move extra fluid from the brain to other parts of the body.

4.Prematurity retinopathy (ROP)

This is an eye condition in which the retina is not fully developed. Most cases resolve without treatment, although some serious cases require treatment.

Including laser surgery for very severe cases. Your baby may be seen by an ophthalmologist or pediatric retina specialist for diagnosis and treatment if needed.

5. Problems with teeth

If your premature baby has frequent infections and illnesses, this could also be the cause of dental problems later. For example, delayed teething, tooth discoloration, and uneven teeth.

6. Sepsis

This condition is a complication in premature babies that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream. It should also be noted if sepsis can be a cause of infection in the lungs.

In addition, if it develops, it can also cause pneumonia in children to meningitis.

7. Chronic health problems

Other complications that can occur in premature babies are chronic health problems that require hospitalization. For example, it is easier to experience infections, acute asthma, and others.

In addition, premature babies also have a higher risk of developing sudden death syndrome.

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