ASSESSING NEONATAL COMPLICATIONS IN LATE PRETERM INFANTS RELATIVE TO TERM BIRTHS
Keywords:
Late preterm infants, Neonatal morbidity, Neonatal mortality, Mechanical ventilation, Perinatal outcomes, APGAR score, SepsisAbstract
Background: Late preterm infants (34–36 weeks gestation) are physiologically immature, increasing their risk of morbidity and mortality compared to term infants. This study evaluated neonatal outcomes and mortality risk factors in late preterm infants.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 200 neonates (100 late preterm, 100 term). Clinical and demographic variables were analyzed using chi-square and t-tests, while logistic regression identified predictors of mortality (p < 0.05).
Results: Late preterm infants had lower birth weights (2.18 ± 0.53 kg vs. 2.97 ± 0.58 kg, p < 0.01) and APGAR scores (p < 0.01). Morbidities—including sepsis, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, perinatal asphyxia, and need for mechanical ventilation—were significantly higher (p < 0.01). Mortality was also elevated (48% vs. 12%, p < 0.01). Mechanical ventilation emerged as a strong independent predictor of mortality (OR: 0.027, p < 0.001), while late preterm birth showed a non-significant trend (p = 0.094).
Conclusion: Late preterm infants experience substantially higher morbidity and mortality. Close monitoring and timely interventions, particularly regarding respiratory support, are essential to improve outcomes.
