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Respiratory illness in late preterm infants during the first six months of life

Leilanie Pérez1, Zahira Corchado, Mariela Rodríguez

  • 1UPR Rio Piedras and Medical Science Campus, UPR School of Medicine, Puerto Rico Health Health Science Center, San Juan.

Boletin De La Asociacion Medica De Puerto Rico
|September 22, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Late preterm infants frequently experience respiratory illnesses like colds and bronchiolitis in their first six months. These common infant respiratory infections often lead to emergency room visits and hospital admissions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Late preterm infants (33-35 weeks gestation) possess physiological immaturity, increasing their susceptibility to respiratory complications.
  • Respiratory illnesses pose a significant health risk to vulnerable late preterm infants during early life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of respiratory illnesses in late preterm infants within the first six months post-birth.
  • To assess the frequency of common colds, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving late preterm infants (33-35 weeks gestation).
  • Parents completed a survey within six months of their infant's birth, following an educational intervention.
  • Data collection focused on respiratory illness occurrences and healthcare utilization.

Main Results:

  • No infants required intensive care unit admission during the newborn period.
  • Parent-reported diagnoses included common cold (71%), bronchiolitis (9%), and pneumonia (3%).
  • 54% of infants visited the emergency room for respiratory issues, with 12% requiring hospital admission.

Conclusions:

  • Late preterm infants are prone to respiratory illnesses in early infancy, leading to significant healthcare utilization.
  • These respiratory conditions result in emergency room visits and hospital admissions, incurring medical costs.
  • Educational interventions focusing on preventive measures are crucial to reduce the morbidity associated with infant respiratory illnesses.
Abstract

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