Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Neurodevelopmental outcome of late-preterm infants: A pragmatic review
1MBBS, FRACP, MSc (Epidemiology), Head of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Joondalup Health Campus, Joondalup, WA; Adjunct Associate Professor, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA; Clinical senior lecturer, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA; School of Public Health, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, WA. srinivasjoisr@ramsayhealth.com.au
Insights
Late-preterm infants face higher risks for developmental issues like speech delay and attention problems. Early monitoring is crucial for identifying and managing these neurodevelopmental risks in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Late-preterm births (34-36 weeks gestation) are increasing.
- These infants may have higher risks of neurodevelopmental abnormalities compared to full-term infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on neurodevelopmental risks in late-preterm infants.
- Focus on speech delay, cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Main Methods:
- Pragmatic review of current evidence.
- Analysis of cohort studies and existing literature.
Main Results:
- Late-preterm infants show increased risk for speech delay, cognitive delay, and attention problems.
- Evidence is inconsistent, with some studies suggesting developmental catch-up.
- Neurodevelopmental risks require ongoing surveillance.
Conclusions:
- Late-preterm infants warrant close developmental monitoring.
- Early identification of neurodevelopmental risks is essential.
- Further research may clarify long-term outcomes.
Background:
The number of late-preterm births (34^{0/7} to 36^{6/7} weeks of gestation at birth) has steadily increased over recent years. Recent reports suggest that late-preterm infants are at an increased risk of developing neurodevelopmental abnormalities, compared with full-term infants.
Objectives:
The aim of this paper is to carry out a pragmatic review of the current evidence regarding the neurodevelopmental risks of speech delay, cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in late-preterm infants.
Discussion:
Evidence from cohort studies indicates that late-preterm infants have a higher risk of speech delay in the first two years, and cognitive delay and attention problems in early childhood, compared with infants born at term. However, the results are inconsistent. Some reports indicate ‘catch up’ development with speech and cognition. Developmental surveillance through regular follow-up of high-risk late-preterm infants is necessary to identify risks at the earliest.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Review and Preview
Percentiles are a type of fractile that partition data into...
Review and Preview
Predicting Reaction Outcomes
Outcomes of Glycolysis
Cellular respiration can occur aerobically (with oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen). In the presence of oxygen, cellular respiration starts with glycolysis and continues with pyruvate...
Guidelines for Writing Outcome
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care...
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

