Risk factors of brain injury in late preterm infants

Abstract

Late preterm is labeled near term. As developmental immaturity, there was higher morbidity in late preterm infants compared with term infants. Especially brain injury, a 3-fold increased risk of cerebralpalsy and significantly higher rates of developmental delay and mental retardation for late preterm infants compared with term infants. In addition, a higher rates of neonatal complications had been documented on late preterm infants. These problems included apnea, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress syndome, and poor feeding. It was known that long-term impact of these diseases will result in brain injury. Key words: Late preterm infants; Brain injury; Development; Risk