[The late preterm infants--time to put our mind].

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Perinatal Medicine
• Pediatrics

Context:

• Late preterm infants (34-37 weeks gestation) are often misclassified as mature due to adequate birth weight.
• These infants exhibit functional and metabolic immaturity, leading to challenging postnatal adaptation.
• The incidence of late preterm births has significantly increased in recent years.

Purpose:

• To review the reasons behind the rising incidence of late preterm births.
• To describe common early adaptation disturbances in late preterm infants.
• To highlight the need for refined indicators for delivery and specialized care protocols.

Summary:

• Late preterm infants experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared to full-term infants.
• Common complications include hypothermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, apnea, jaundice, and feeding issues.
• Long-term disabilities such as cerebral palsy and developmental delays are also concerns.

Impact:

• Emphasizes the need for precise indicators for conducting late preterm births.
• Advocates for care that acknowledges the immaturity and adaptation challenges of these infants.
• Highlights the potential for prolonged hospital stays and intensive care needs, impacting healthcare costs.