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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Outcomes of infants born near term: not quite ready for the "big wide world"?

Ranveer S Sanghera1, Elaine M Boyle2,3

  • 1Neonatal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.

Minerva Pediatrica
|October 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Infants born moderately preterm (32-33 weeks) and late preterm (34-36 weeks) face increased risks for short and long-term health issues. This challenges previous beliefs about outcomes for babies born near full term.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Historically, neonatal and pediatric clinicians believed outcomes for infants born near term were similar to full-term infants.
  • Recent evidence challenges this assumption, indicating significant differences in short- and long-term morbidity and mortality.
  • New terminology distinguishes moderately preterm (32-33 weeks) and late preterm (34-36 weeks) births, acknowledging associated immaturity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review changing perceptions of gestational age in preterm infants.
  • To explore emerging evidence on neonatal, childhood, adolescent, and adult outcomes for moderately and late preterm infants.
  • To highlight morbidities and associated health, developmental, and educational challenges.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article.
  • It synthesizes recent and emerging evidence from various studies.
  • The review examines outcomes across different life stages.

Main Results:

  • Infants born between 32-36 weeks gestation experience increased adverse outcomes compared to full-term infants.
  • These outcomes include significant neonatal and childhood morbidities.
  • Affected children face ongoing health care, developmental, and educational challenges.

Conclusions:

  • The recognition of increased risks for moderately and late preterm infants necessitates a re-evaluation of healthcare and support services.
  • Adverse outcomes span neonatal, childhood, and even adult life.
  • Comprehensive primary, secondary, educational, and social support are crucial for this large, diverse population.

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