Respiratory System:

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Premature infants often lack sufficient surfactant, a substance necessary
for lung expansion and proper breathing. Without surfactant, the alveoli collapse, leading to RDS.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD): Prolonged oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation can damage
developing lung tissue, leading to inflammation, scarring, and impaired lung function.
Apnea of Prematurity: Immature respiratory centers in the brain may lead to episodes of apnea, or temporary
cessation of breathing.

Cardiovascular System:

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA): Failure of the ductus arteriosus to close after birth can lead to abnormal blood
flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery, causing circulatory compromise.
Hypotension: Immature blood vessels and autonomic regulation may result in low blood pressure, requiring careful
monitoring and intervention.

Central Nervous System:

Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH): Fragile blood vessels in the developing brain are susceptible to bleeding,
particularly in the germinal matrix, leading to IVH and potentially long-term neurological deficits.
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL): Hypoxic-ischemic injury to the periventricular white matter can result in
PVL, characterized by necrosis and softening of brain tissue, often leading to motor and cognitive impairments.
Cerebral Palsy: Damage to the developing brain, either from IVH, PVL, or other insults, can result in cerebral palsy,
a group of permanent movement disorders.

Gastrointestinal System:

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC): Immature intestines are prone to inflammation and ischemia, leading to NEC, a
serious gastrointestinal emergency characterized by bowel necrosis.
Feeding Intolerance: Premature infants may struggle with feeding due to immaturity of the sucking and swallowing
reflexes, as well as gastrointestinal immaturity.

Renal System:

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Immature kidneys are susceptible to injury from hypoperfusion, medications, and
other insults, leading to AKI and electrolyte imbalances.

Immune System:

Immune Deficiency: Premature infants have an immature immune system, making them more susceptible to
 infections, including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.

These problems arise due to the incomplete development of organ systems at 25 weeks gestation.
Premature birth disrupts the natural progression of fetal development, exposing organs to the extrauterine
environment before they are adequately prepared to function independently. Additionally, interventions
such as mechanical ventilation, intravenous medications, and nutritional support can further stress
immature organ systems, increasing the risk of complications. Multidisciplinary care in a neonatal
intensive care unit (NICU) is essential to address these challenges and optimize outcomes for premature
infants.