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Can neonates born at 34 weeks be classified as late preterm?
Małgorzata Baumert, Piotr Surmiak1, Zofia Walencka
1Department of Neonatology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice.. piotr.surmiak@sum.edu.pl.
Ginekologia Polska
|January 19, 2017
Summary
Infants born at 34 weeks gestation exhibit higher NGAL levels and increased complications, warranting classification as preterm. Late preterm infants should be defined from 35 weeks gestation onwards.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Perinatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Late preterm infants (34-36 weeks gestation) are less mature than term infants.
- Understanding the precise classification of late preterm infants is crucial for appropriate neonatal care.
- Biomarkers may aid in differentiating gestational age subgroups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if infants born at 34 weeks gestation should be classified as 'late preterm' or 'preterm'.
- To investigate the utility of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a biomarker for gestational age in late preterm infants.
- To assess the incidence of clinical complications in relation to gestational age.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cord-blood NGAL and creatinine concentrations in 141 newborns (preterm ≤33WG, late-preterm, term).
- Evaluation of clinical complications during early hospitalization.
- Statistical comparison of NGAL levels and complication rates across gestational age groups.
Main Results:
- Higher NGAL concentrations were observed in preterm infants (including those at 34 weeks) compared to late-preterm (35-36 weeks) and term infants.
- A significant relationship between umbilical NGAL levels and gestational age was found.
- Infants born at 34 weeks showed a higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and infections compared to those born at 35 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Infants born at 34 weeks gestation should be classified within the preterm group due to immature physiological markers and increased complication risks.
- The definition of late preterm neonates should be revised to encompass infants born between 35 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation.
- Umbilical NGAL levels show potential as a biomarker to differentiate between preterm and late preterm neonates.
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