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Risk factors for neonatal morbidity and mortality among "healthy," late preterm newborns

Carrie K Shapiro-Mendoza1, Kay M Tomashek, Milton Kotelchuck

  • 1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Reproductive Health, Maternal and Infant Health Branch, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. ayn9@cdc.gov

Seminars in Perinatology
|May 30, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Limited research exists on late preterm infants. This study identified risk factors for neonatal morbidity in healthy late preterm infants, aiding targeted monitoring and improved outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Public Health
  • Perinatal Epidemiology

Background:

  • Research on neonatal outcomes for late preterm infants (34-36 weeks gestation) is limited.
  • Identifying at-risk late preterm infants is crucial for improving health and reducing costs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate neonatal morbidity risk factors in "healthy," singleton, late preterm infants.
  • To inform strategies for closer monitoring and earlier follow-up for at-risk infants.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based cohort study of "healthy," singleton, late preterm infants born in Massachusetts (1998-2002).
  • Comparison of neonatal morbidity incidence (readmissions, observational stays, mortality) using adjusted risk ratios.
  • Analysis included infant, obstetric, and sociodemographic factors.

Main Results:

  • Among 9552 infants, 4.8% experienced readmission and 1.3% had observational stays.
  • Risk factors for morbidity included being firstborn, breastfeeding at discharge, labor/delivery complications, public payer source, and Asian/Pacific Islander mother.
  • Non-Hispanic Black infants showed a decreased risk for neonatal morbidity.

Conclusions:

  • Specific infant, obstetric, and sociodemographic factors are associated with neonatal morbidity in "healthy" late preterm infants.
  • Identifying these risk factors enables targeted interventions and improved post-discharge care.
  • This knowledge can enhance health outcomes and potentially reduce healthcare expenditures.

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