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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
07:36
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
[Late preterm infants: A population at underestimated risk]
X Demestre Guasch1, F Raspall Torrent, S Martínez-Nadal
1SCIAS-Hospital de Barcelona, España. 6813xdg@comb.cat
Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|August 4, 2009
Summary
Late preterm infants (34-36 weeks) face significantly higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to full-term infants. This study highlights the increased risks and need for revised care protocols for these near-term babies.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Perinatology
- Public Health
Context:
- Rising prematurity rates, particularly late preterm births (34-36 weeks), present a growing concern.
- Late preterm infants exhibit higher morbidity than term infants, often underestimated.
- This study analyzes trends and outcomes in late preterm vs. term infants.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of prematurity in the institution.
- To compare morbidity and mortality rates between late preterm and term infants.
- To analyze morbidity across gestational ages from 34 to 42 weeks.
Summary:
- Prematurity increased from 3.9% to 9.8%, driven by late preterm births (79%).
- Late preterm infants showed significantly higher mortality (5/1000 vs. 1.1/1000) and morbidity (Neonatal Unit admission, respiratory issues, jaundice, hypoglycemia, etc.).
- Morbidity decreased with increasing gestational age, with lowest rates from 39 weeks.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the substantial risks associated with late preterm birth.
- Revising care guidelines and protocols for late preterm infants is crucial.
- Long-term psychomotor development monitoring and increased obstetric awareness are recommended.
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