Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Long-term outcome of infants born late preterm
Despoina Gkentzi, Gabriel Dimitriou1
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 3rd floor, University General Hospital of Patras, Rio 26504, Patras, Greece. gdimitriou@med.upatras.gr.
Insights
Late preterm infants, born between 34 and 36 weeks, face long-term health risks, including impaired respiratory function and neurodevelopment. These vulnerable infants require ongoing monitoring and recognition of their unique needs.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Late preterm infants (born 34-36 weeks gestation) are a growing population.
- Traditionally considered similar to term infants, recent evidence highlights their vulnerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on long-term outcomes for late preterm infants.
- To identify key areas of health affected by late preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published studies on late preterm infant outcomes.
- Analysis of data focusing on respiratory, neurodevelopmental, and general health.
Main Results:
- Late preterm birth is associated with long-term respiratory issues due to arrested lung development.
- Neurodevelopmental deficits are observed, linked to premature brain development.
- Overall general health is impacted, necessitating continued follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Late preterm infants experience significant long-term health challenges.
- Specialized follow-up and recognition of their specific needs are crucial.
- Further research is required to fully understand and manage these outcomes.
Abstract:
Late preterm infants are defined as those born between 34(0/0) and 36(6/7) weeks of gestation. This population represents a growing proportion of preterm deliveries and traditionally has been neglected as thought to behave similarly to term infants. However, studies in the last decade have shown that they are vulnerable not only during the first few weeks of life but also later on in infancy and childhood. The aim of this review is to summarize the published literature in the field of the long-term outcomes of the late preterm delivery. The main areas that are affected are the respiratory function and the neurodevelopment of these babies due to the early arrest in the lung and brain development, respectively. Moreover, the overall general health of this population is affected in the long-term and ongoing follow up studies are required to provide a better understanding in the field. Continuous efforts should also be made so that the needs of these infants are recognized and managed in a timely appropriate manner.
