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Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
[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.
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.
Abstract:
Late and moderately preterm infants, born between 32+0/7 and 36+6/7 gestational weeks, comprise more than 80 % of all preterm infants and account for almost 40 % of all days of neonatal care. While their total number of days of care has not changed, an increasing part of their neonatal stay (from 29 % in 2011 to 41 % in 2017) is now within home care programmes. Late and moderate preterm birth is often complicated by respiratory disorders, hyperbilirubinemia, hypothermia and feeding difficulties. These infants also have an increased risk of perinatal death and neurologic complications. In the long run, they have higher risks of cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric diagnoses and need for asthma medication. As young adults, they have a lower educational level and a lower average salary than their full-term counterparts. They also have an increased risk of long-term sick leave, disability pension and need for economic assistance from society.
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