Other Conditions

In addition to problems affecting the heart, lungs, digestive system, and brain, premature babies can be affected by other conditions. These are often the result of the immaturity of the various other systems including the immune system, bone marrow, liver, brain’s breathing centre, or eye.   Although many of the conditions in this section are not necessarily serious and are most often successfully treated, it should be remembered that conditions primarily affecting one part of the body often affect other parts of the body. For example, an infection of one organ puts strain on the whole immune system which in turn can make coping with other unrelated conditions more difficult.

	ORGAN A somewhat independent part of the body, responsible for carrying-out special functions. Some examples of organs include: the eyes, the lungs, the heart, and the brain.

	INFECTION A disease, illness, or state that occurs when germs enters the body.

	BONE MARROW A soft tissue that fills the cavities in bones.