[Late preterm : high risk newborns despite appearances]

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Late preterm infants (born 34-36 weeks) constitute the majority of premature births (approx. 75%).
• Increasing incidence of late prematurity observed in recent decades.
• Previous research focused on very preterm infants, with late preterms receiving less attention until recently.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the heightened risks and morbidities associated with late preterm infants.
• To emphasize the need for adapted follow-up protocols for this population.
• To highlight late preterm infants as high-risk newborns.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies focusing on late preterm infant outcomes.
• Analysis of data on neonatal, infant, and adult mortality.
• Examination of long-term morbidity risks in late preterm populations.

Main Results:

• Late preterm infants exhibit increased risks of respiratory issues, infections, feeding difficulties, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia.
• Significantly higher mortality rates (neonatal, infant, adult) compared to full-term infants.
• Elevated risk for long-term morbidities including neurodevelopmental delay, cerebral palsy, and chronic respiratory or metabolic diseases.

Conclusions:

• Late preterm infants are unequivocally high-risk newborns.
• Adapted and specialized follow-up care is crucial for late preterm infants.
• Increased awareness and research are needed to address the unique challenges faced by late preterms.