Respiratory morbidity and short-term outcome in moderate preterm, late preterm, and early-term infants at a tertiary care hospital in Southern India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Moderate and late preterm and early-term infants constitute a significant proportion of hospitalizations in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), yet have been perceived as low-risk groups. Their gestational age-specific data have been poorly studied, including respiratory morbidity and outcome. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the respiratory morbidity among moderate and late preterm and early-term infants and to study their short-term outcomes. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal descriptive hospital-based study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Southern India, from January 2018 to June 2019. Newborns between 32 and <39 completed weeks, after gestational age assessment, were observed until discharge and later followed up to 40 weeks of gestation. The outcome was recorded in terms of respiratory issues, length of hospital stay, and readmissions within a month. Results: Two hundred and fifty babies were included in the study. NICU care was required in 78%, 72%, and 9.2% of moderate preterm, late preterm, and early-term infants, respectively. Respiratory distress was noted in 78%, 66%, and 6% of moderate preterm, late preterm, and early-term infants, respectively. The association of respiratory distress with gestational age was highly significant (P < 0.0001). Surfactant requirement was 12%, 6%, and 1.7% among the three groups. The average length of NICU stay was 7.8 days, 6.5 days, and 0.3 days among moderate and late preterms and early-term infants, respectively. Conclusion: Moderate and late preterms and early-term infants have significant morbidities. Gestational age has a substantial correlation with respiratory distress and neonatal outcomes. Knowledge about these issues can ensure improved outcome in these infants.