Low blood pressure (hypotension) in premature infants
A premature infant may have low blood pressure (hypotension) after birth. Some early causes of low blood pressure include infection, blood loss, and fluid loss.
If blood pressure is only mildly decreased, it may only need to be monitored. If treatment is necessary, one or more of the following may be used:
- Medication to increase blood pressure
- Intravenous fluids (fluids given through a vein)
- Blood transfusion, if low blood pressure is related to blood loss
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: May 8, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Jennifer Merchant, MD - Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine | |
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