[Born a few weeks too early; does it matter?]

Anna Bonnevier1, Lars Björklund2, Anders Elfvin3

  • 1Lasarettet i Ystad - Ystad, Sweden - Verksamhetsområde Obstetrik och Gynekologi Ystad, Sweden.

Lakartidningen
|October 9, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Late and moderately preterm infants face significant health challenges, including respiratory issues and developmental risks. These infants also experience long-term socioeconomic disadvantages compared to full-term peers.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Perinatal health
  • Developmental pediatrics

Background:

  • Late and moderately preterm infants (32-36 weeks gestation) constitute over 80% of preterm births.
  • They account for nearly 40% of neonatal care days, with an increasing proportion managed via home care programs.
  • These infants are susceptible to various immediate complications and long-term health issues.

Observation:

  • Respiratory disorders, hyperbilirubinemia, hypothermia, and feeding difficulties are common complications.
  • Increased risks of perinatal death and neurological complications are observed.
  • Home care program utilization has risen significantly for this population.

Findings:

  • Long-term risks include cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric diagnoses, and increased need for asthma medication.
  • As young adults, they exhibit lower educational attainment and average salaries compared to full-term individuals.
  • Elevated risks of long-term sick leave, disability pension, and societal economic assistance are noted.

Implications:

  • Highlights the critical need for specialized, long-term follow-up care for late preterm infants.
  • Suggests a re-evaluation of healthcare resource allocation towards managing the ongoing needs of this large cohort.
  • Underscores the socioeconomic impact of preterm birth, necessitating broader societal support systems.

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