[Short-term complications of late preterm infants]

Late preterm infants, born at 34-36(+6) weeks gestation, are physiologically more immature than term infants. As a consequence, they have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Since health outcomes in prematurity may change depending on local factors we have proposed determine the short-term medical problems of these infants in our hospital.

A retrospective observational study was carried out on all newborn ≥ 34 weeks gestation admitted to Virgen del Rocio hospital from May 2005 to December 2008. We divided this cohort into late preterm (34-36(+6) weeks, n=769) and term (37-41(+6) weeks, n=1460) groups. We compared mortality and morbidity data between the 2 groups.

Late preterm group was associated with assisted reproduction, twin pregnancy, caesarean delivery and preeclampsia during pregnancy. The risk of hospitalization was six times greater in these infants and neonatal intensive care admissions were twice as common. The hospital stay was double in this group. Neonatal respiratory morbidity and jaundice were greater in the preterm group. The use of surfactant, oxygen and respiratory support (CPAP and CMV) was also higher. There were no significant differences in hypoglycaemia and neonatal mortality between both groups.

Late preterm infants represent a well-defined risk group for developing complications and should be available the necessary resources should be made available for their special care.