The late preterm infant

Late preterm birth refers to birth at 34 –36 weeks of gestation, which can occur for many different maternal and fetal reasons. Infants born late preterm represent almost three quarters of all preterm births, yet they have been studied much less than their more immature counterparts born at the limits of viability. Whilst problems of lat e preterm infants are generally fewer and milder than those of the most immature infants, nevertheless they are at increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Mortality rates are higher than term infants and common morbidities in the neonatal period for late preterm infants include hypothermia, hyp oglycaemia, difficulties in establishing oral feeding, jaundice and respiratory compromise.
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Symposium:Neonatology Source Type: research