Effects of prematurity on organ systems, and management recommendations
Organ system | Increased risks | Management |
---|---|---|
Pulmonary | Obstructive disease, pulmonary hypertension | Evaluate previous asthma diagnosis Consider baseline pulmonary function testing Avoid smoking, maintain healthy weight, promote exercise Keep current on influenza and Pneumococcus vaccinations |
Renal | Chronic kidney disease | Monitor blood pressure regularly Avoid nephrotoxins Control blood pressure (consider an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor if a hypertension medication is needed) Limit salt intake Consider periodic urine microalbumin screening, renal ultrasonography |
Cardiovascular | Hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease | Monitor blood pressure regularly Avoid smoking, maintain healthy weight, promote exercise Consider baseline echocardiogram with appropriate cardiovascular risk assessment |
Endocrine | Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, osteoporosis | Monitor blood glucose, body mass composition, lipids Maintain healthy body weight and abdominal girth Ensure appropriate calcium and vitamin D supplementation Promote weight-bearing exercise Limit medications associated with causing metabolic abnormalities, dyslipidemia, worsening bone density |
Central nervous system | Autism, mood disorders, intellectual disabilities | Be alert to need for early evaluation and support |