[The characteristics of erythropoiesis in extremely premature neonates in the 1st 2 months of life].

Based on studies of morphometric indices for red blood and morphometric characteristics of erythrocytes, an evaluation was carried out of the condition of erythropoiesis in 109 extremely premature newborn babies (gestational age 26 to 32 weeks, body mass at birth 800-1600 gr). Noted in the above babies were markedly decreased values for the red blood during the first 1 to 1.5 mo of life and apparent relatedness of the rate of decrement to gestational age and concurrent pathology (infections, intraventricular hemorrhage, grave breathing disorders, hypotrophy). Besides, a low reticulocytic response was recordable to the developing anemia and high degree heterogeneity of the cellular (erythroid) population. The data secured suggest failure of erythropoiesis in extremely premature neonates, the reason for which phenomenon might be too little production of erythropoietins, which fact prompts us to look at the pathogenesis of early anemia and potentialities of correcting thereof from a new angle.