Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Clinical Practice Protocol of Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Published on: January 7, 2020
Late preterm infant - Nature's unfinished master piece
1University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, USA.
Insights
Late preterm infants, born between 34-36 weeks, face significant health risks due to immaturity. This review details their complications and management, emphasizing proper care for these vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Perinatology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Late preterm infants (LPI), born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation, are physiologically and metabolically immature.
- Despite appearing similar to term infants, LPI face increased risks of morbidities and mortality.
- Their size often leads to them being misclassified as term infants, potentially resulting in inadequate care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence and risk factors associated with late preterm deliveries.
- To describe the early morbidities and late complications specific to LPI.
- To outline evidence-based management guidelines for the care of late preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, OVID, and Embase.
- Search terms included 'Late Preterm Infants' and 'Near Term Infants'.
- The review period spanned from January 2005 to March 2012, focusing on evidence-based findings.
Main Results:
- Late preterm infants exhibit increased risks for various health issues compared to full-term infants.
- Common morbidities include respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, and temperature instability.
- Delayed recognition of their unique needs can lead to adverse outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Late preterm infants require specialized attention and management distinct from term infants.
- Understanding the risks and implementing evidence-based guidelines are crucial for improving outcomes.
- Continued vigilance and appropriate care are essential for this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
Late preterm infants (LPI) are preterm infants born at a gestational age between 34 and 0/7 weeks to 36 6/7 weeks. Because of their physiologic and metabolic immaturities, they are at increased risk for a spectrum of morbidities and mortality when compared to the term infants. LPI are "great pretenders and masqueraders", as they pretend to be and masquerading as term infants. Because of their size, frequently they are treated as term infants with potential for bad consequences. In this review, the incidence and high risk factors for late preterm deliveries, early morbidities, late complications and management are described. Computerized data bases such as PubMed, OVID and Embase were searched between January 2005 and March 2012, by using the search terms, Late Preterm Infants and Near Term Infants. From this detailed search available, evidence based guidelines were incorporated in the care of these LPI.
Related Concept Videos
The Nativist Approach
Nature and Nurture
Development of Human Microbiota

