Neonatal anaemia is a condition of below-normal levels of red blood cells in newborns. Red blood cells are responsible for helping transport oxygen to the lungs and then throughout the rest of the body. When an infant has anaemia, the body does not receive the amount of oxygen that it really requires, and as a result, the infant may become tired more quickly and seem lethargic.
Developing mild anaemia within a few months of birth is not uncommon as there is a short time period when the bone marrow stops producing the normal amount of red blood cells. Mild anaemia in the newborn may not need to be treated. But in cases where the anaemia is severe, treatment will be necessary to increase the red blood cells.
In many cases of neonatal anaemia, babies do not have any symptoms. For those that do have symptoms, here are some of the most common signs to watch out for.
Symptoms of neonatal anaemia will vary according to the severity of the condition. Mild cases usually do not present any symptoms. Symptoms may also vary depending on the cause of the anaemia, how long it has been present, and how soon treatment and management began after the diagnosis.
There are several reasons why an infant may develop anaemia. Some conditions of anaemia are mild enough that no treatment is required. However, the following are causes and risk factors of neonatal anaemia that will likely require treatment.
This is more common for infants in neonatal intensive care, where frequent blood draws are necessary for testing. Internal bleeding can also cause blood loss. A traumatic delivery where more blood loss than usual occurs can also cause anaemia.
Premature infants do not have as much iron produced and stored as a full-term baby.
This can result from iron deficiency or from bone marrow not producing red blood cells due to an infection or a genetic condition.
This occurs when the infant’s red blood cells do not live as long as normal due to various underlying causes.
Neonatal anaemia is diagnosed by blood work. If an infant shows signs and symptoms of anaemia and has risk factors, the healthcare provider will order blood work to check the following levels.
This blood test measures the amount of protein in the blood that carries oxygen to the lungs and throughout the body.
This blood test will measure the percentage of red blood cells that are in the blood.
This blood test will measure the percentage of immature red blood cells in the infant’s blood and give an indication of how many new blood cells are being created.
Treatment for neonatal anaemia may vary depending on the cause of the condition. Your healthcare provider will decide on the best treatment option for your infant. In milder cases of neonatal anaemia, no treatment may be necessary other than monitoring for worsening symptoms. In cases where the infant is premature or becomes very sick from anaemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
This is when healthy donor blood is given to the infant via an IV line to increase the amount of healthy red blood cells in the infant. There are certain medications that your healthcare provider may order certain medications that help the infant’s body produce more red blood cells. Iron supplements may also be given as iron can help increase the production of healthy red blood cells and prevent anaemia from happening again.
Monitoring your infant’s food intake from feeding is important as the right diet can help the body make more red blood cells as well. If your infant has been treated for anaemia, there are usually no long-term complications from this condition. However, it is important to continue to follow up with your healthcare provider and monitor your infant for any causes for concern.