Outcomes of Medically Indicated Preterm Births Differ by Indication

We aim to examine whether outcomes of preterm birth (PTB) are further modified by the indication for delivery.

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all singletons delivered at 23 to 34 weeks from 2011 to 2014. Women were classified by their primary indication for delivery: maternal (preeclampsia) or fetal/obstetric (growth restriction, nonreassuring fetal status, and vaginal bleeding). The primary neonatal outcome was a composite of neonatal death, cord pH <7 or base excess < - 12, 5-minute Apgar ≤3, C-reactive protein during resuscitation, culture-proven sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. Groups were compared using Student's t-test and chi-squared tests. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding variables.

Of 528 women, 395 (74.8%) were delivered for maternal and 133 (25.2%) for fetal/obstetric indications. Compared with those delivered for a maternal indication, those with a fetal/obstetric indication for delivery had an increased risk of the composite neonatal outcome (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-3.21) and acidemia at birth (AOR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.89-9.55).

Preterm infants delivered for fetal/obstetric indications have worsened outcomes compared with those delivered for maternal indications. Additional research is needed to further tailor counseling specific to the indication for delivery.