Anemia of Prematurity

**Semantic type:** Disease or Syndrome

**Definition:** A blood disorder characterized by low hemoglobin levels in premature neonates that usually spontaneously resolves within 3-6 months post birth. A combination of factors including the transition from the liver to the bone marrow for erythropoiesis in a neonate, blood loss experienced during delivery, the shortened life span of fetal blood cells, and an acclimation to a relatively hyperoxic environment outside the womb can predispose a neonate to this condition.

**Synonyms:** - AOP