Late Preterm Infants: Morbidities, Mortality, and Management Recommendations

Area of Science:

• Neonatalogy
• Public Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Late preterm infants (34-36 weeks gestation) constitute the largest proportion of premature births in the US.
• Rates of late preterm births have been increasing over the past three years.
• These infants represent a significant population, with nearly 280,000 born in 2016.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the growing public health concern of late preterm births.
• To underscore the increased risks of morbidity and mortality associated with late preterm infants.
• To emphasize the long-term health monitoring needs for this population.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national birth statistics.
• Review of existing literature on late preterm infant outcomes.
• Comparison of health risks between late preterm and full-term infants.

Main Results:

• Late preterm infants experience higher rates of complications than more mature infants.
• These health risks extend beyond the neonatal period.
• A substantial burden is placed on healthcare and educational systems due to these increased risks.

Conclusions:

• The rising incidence of late preterm births requires attention.
• Late preterm infants require ongoing health surveillance throughout their lives.
• Addressing the unique needs of late preterm infants is essential for mitigating long-term health consequences.