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Published on: November 20, 2015
Emergency department visits and rehospitalizations in late preterm infants
1Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. shabnam.jain@oz.ped.emory.edu
Insights
Late preterm infants (34-36 weeks) are increasing, yet may appear healthy. These newborns face higher risks and require more intensive care after hospital discharge.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Late preterm births (34-36 weeks gestation) are rising in the US and Canada.
- These infants may present a misleading appearance of well-being.
- Limited data exists on post-discharge health concerns for late preterm newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the morbidity of late preterm infants with that of term infants.
- To identify health issues in late preterm infants after nursery discharge.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of emergency department (ED) visits at a pediatric institution.
- Comparison of morbidity data between late preterm and term infants over one year.
Main Results:
- Late preterm infants represent a substantial portion of newborn ED visits.
- Specific health problems, including the need for intensive care, are more frequent in late preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Late preterm infants experience higher morbidity compared to term infants.
- Increased vigilance and targeted care are necessary for late preterm newborns post-discharge.
Abstract:
The number of late preterm newborns (gestational age 34 to 36 weeks) is increasing in the United States and Canada. The appearance of these newborns may give a false sense of security about their well-being to practitioners and parents alike. Neonatology literature has begun to address this issue; however, there is paucity of information regarding health concerns of these newborns after discharge from the nursery. The authors reviewed their experience in the emergency department (ED) of a large pediatric institution over a 1-year period, comparing morbidity in late preterm infants with term infants. Late preterm infants comprise a significant proportion of newborn visits to the ED. Certain problems occur more frequently in these infants, including the need for intensive care.
