Introduction
At birth, all newborns experience a decrease in hemoglobin levels; this decrease is more emphasized in premature babies. The objective of this work was to study the epidemiological, therapeutic and outcomesof anemia amongst preterm birthsin a reference hospital in Cameroon.
Methodology
This was a two-year retrospective cohort study (January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017). All premature infants with a hemoglobin level below 14g/dl at a given time of hospitalization were included in the study; these were divided into two groups: group A transfusion recipients and group B non-transfusion recipients. The main measurements were prevalence of premature anemia and incidence of blood transfusion, features of population and outcomes.
Results
142 cases of anemic premature infants (56.34% female) with a mean gestationalage of 31.58 +/- 2.81 weeks of amenorrhea and a mean birth weight of 1652.78 +/- 514.77g were included in the study. The prevalence of premature anemia was 24.2%. Blood transfusion was the most widely used therapeutic method with an incidence of 57.75%, follow by iron (56.34%) and Erythropoietin (EPO) (4.93%). Out of the 142 cases recruited, 82 were in the transfusion group and 60 in the non-transfusion group. Predictive factors of blood transfusion were gestational age (33 weeks), birth weight (less than 1500g) and non-administration of vitamin K and Uvesterol®. Premature infants transfused compared to those not transfused had a longer duration of hospitalisation (p<0,001) and more complications during hospitalization (p<0,001). The overall mortality rate was 21.13% with a higher rate in the transfused group (12,68% vs. 8, 45%) but no significant (p=0.96).
Conclusion
Anemia of prematurity isa frequent pathology in this setting, with Blood transfusion as main therapy. Administration of vitamin K and Uvesterol®should be ensured in this population while advocating for the access to EPO.