The doctor warned about the high risks of infections in premature babies

Premature babies are more likely to experience infections and suffer them more severely than their full-term peers due to the immaturity of the body's organs and systems. On March 24, the head of the Intensive Care Unit No. 2 of the National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology told Izvestia. Academician V.I. Kulakova, Candidate of Medical Sciences Anna Lenyushkina.

According to her, prematurity is a condition of a newborn associated with birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The respiratory system remains the most vulnerable in such children. The lungs produce insufficient amounts of surfactant, a substance necessary for normal breathing. In this regard, newborns often require respiratory support and the administration of surfactant preparations.

"This allows you to save a child's life, but prolonged ventilation and exposure to oxygen can increase the risk of respiratory system diseases and susceptibility to infections, especially in the first two years of life," the specialist noted.

The immune system of premature babies also remains immature. As a result, under the same conditions, they get sick about twice as often and are more susceptible to infections.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is one of the most common infectious agents in children under two years of age, is particularly dangerous. In premature infants, it can quickly affect the lower respiratory tract, leading to hospitalization and severe complications. Severe RSV infection in the first year of life further increases the risk of developing bronchial asthma.

Against the background of an increase in the seasonal incidence of respiratory infections, the risk of encountering RSV is especially high. It is important to remember that the causative agent of RSV infection circulates in the population all year round, so attention to this issue is important in any season. Passive immunoprophylaxis is used to protect children at risk — the introduction of ready-made monoclonal antibodies that provide protection against infection.

"This is not a vaccine in the classical sense: the body does not develop its own immunity, but receives ready—made protective antibodies," explained Lenyushkina.

The prevention course includes five injections, which must be administered according to a set schedule. For premature babies, such assistance is available free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.

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The funds can be used for emergencies.

Breastfeeding provides additional protection, since breast milk contains antibodies and biologically active substances that support the child's immune system. Modern methods of care, infection prevention and regular medical supervision can significantly reduce risks and improve the prognosis of development.

In turn, Natalia Zotkina, founder and director of the charity foundation for premature babies "The Right to a Miracle", noted that the birth of a premature baby becomes a serious challenge for the family. According to her, parents face not only medical risks, but also severe psychological stress. After the shock, feelings of guilt, aggression, and depression may occur.

"There is no typical history of prematurity. The same diagnosis can have different consequences, so it is especially important to trust the doctor and not be left alone with anxiety," she stressed.

Zotkina added that premature babies are especially vulnerable to respiratory infections: even a mild cold can lead to serious complications. At the same time, according to the foundation, about 30% of parents are not aware of measures to prevent dangerous viruses, including RSV.

Parents are advised to consult a doctor immediately at the first sign of a child's illness. Access to reliable information and support from specialists is also important, since the care of premature babies requires not only medical, but also social efforts.

The press service of the Ministry of Health of the Moscow Region reported on January 22 that doctors in the region treated about 3.5 thousand premature babies in 2025. In particular, hundreds of infants with extremely low body weight received medical care. The ministry noted that in the Moscow region there is a three-tier system of assistance to pregnant women, women in labor and newborns, including maternity hospitals, perinatal centers and specialized scientific institutions.

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