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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Moderate to Late Preterm Infants: A Population at Risk
Rachel H Goode1, Kendell R German2, Dennis Z Kuo3
1Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medicine Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
Insights
Moderate to late preterm (MLPT) infants, born between 32-36 weeks, face developmental and behavioral risks. This review examines their outcomes, neonatal care, and neurodevelopmental impacts.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Preterm birth affects an estimated 10% of the population.
- Moderate to late preterm (MLPT) infants (32–36 weeks gestation) comprise 75% of preterm births.
- MLPT infants often receive less follow-up care compared to extremely preterm infants, despite emerging evidence of developmental risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of outcomes for MLPT infants.
- To analyze factors influencing neonatal care for MLPT infants compared to term and extremely preterm peers.
- To examine neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes associated with MLPT birth.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological data.
- Comparative analysis of neonatal care practices.
- Synthesis of studies on neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes.
Main Results:
- MLPT infants are at increased risk for developmental differences and disorders.
- Behavioral and emotional differences are noted in MLPT populations.
- There is a recognized need for enhanced parenting support for families of MLPT infants.
Conclusions:
- MLPT birth is associated with significant neurodevelopmental and behavioral challenges.
- Tailored medical and developmental follow-up is crucial for MLPT infants.
- Further research and targeted interventions are needed to support this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
An estimated 10% of the population is born preterm. Seventy-five percent of preterm infants are born between 32 and 36 weeks' gestation and classified as moderate to late preterm (MLPT). MLPT infants historically have had less rigorous medical and developmental follow-up after hospital discharge than their extremely preterm peers. Increasing evidence shows these children to be at risk for developmental differences and disorders, behavioral and emotional differences, and a need for increased parenting support. In this review, we aim to examine the epidemiology of MLPT outcomes, the factors influencing their neonatal care that differ from those of their term and extremely preterm peers, and the neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes associated with MLPT birth.
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