Differences between late preterm and term neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit a two-year retrospective study

Abstract

Introduction: Late preterm neonates have been defined as those born between 34 completed weeks to 3 6 weeks and 6 days of gestation. Late preterm neonates though bear close resemblance to full-term neonates in appearance and birth weights; are a special group because they are still physiologically immature and vulnerable. Despite the increase in their numbers, there is limited data concerning problems of late preterm neonates in India. The objective of this study is to compare morbidities of late preterm neonates with term neonates. Study design: Retrospective study conducted at a Level 3 NICU of a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai between Oct 2011 to Sep 2 0 1 3 . Late preterm neonates formed the cases and equal number of matched term neonates formed the controls. Maternal risk factors and neonatal morbidities were compared among the two groups. Results: Late preterm neonates formed a major share of preterm births. Significantly more number of late preterm neonates had the maternal risk factors (as defined) and also required more NICU admissions. Late preterm neonates had lower birth weights compared to term neonates. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of respiratory distress consequently requiring more ventilator support in late preterm neonates. Average length of NICU stay was more for late preterm neonates. Conclusion: Late preterm neonates have more neonatal morbidities compared to term neonates.