[Respiratory disorders among late-preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit]

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Perinatal Health
• Pediatric Respiratory Care

Background:

• The incidence of late-preterm births (34-36 weeks gestation) has risen significantly over two decades.
• Late-preterm infants exhibit a higher susceptibility to morbidity, especially respiratory complications, compared to full-term neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the spectrum of respiratory morbidity in late-preterm infants.
• To identify key risk factors associated with respiratory complications in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, single-center study was conducted.
• The study cohort comprised 273 late-preterm infants admitted between July 2009 and December 2010.

Main Results:

• Maternal morbidity was observed in 53.9% of deliveries, with fetal growth restriction being a primary indication for 20.9% of prelabor cesarean sections.
• Neonatal morbidity affected 64% of infants, with 23.1% experiencing respiratory distress, necessitating mechanical ventilation in 4.4%.
• Primary causes of respiratory distress included early-onset sepsis and transient tachypnea; risk factors identified were gestational age, sex, and prelabor cesarean delivery.

Conclusions:

• Late-preterm infants demonstrate a heightened risk for respiratory disorders requiring ventilatory support.
• Limiting elective cesarean deliveries during the late-preterm period may mitigate respiratory complications.