Complicaciones a corto plazo de los recién nacidos pretérmino tardíos / Short-term complications of late preterm infants

Introducción: Los recién nacidos pretérmino tardíos, entre las 34-36+6 semanas de edad gestacional son fisiológicamente más inmaduros que los recién nacidos a término y, por tanto, tienen mayor riesgo de morbi-mortalidad. Dado que los resultados de salud en la prematuridad pueden variar en función de factores locales nos hemos propuesto conocer en nuestro medio las complicaciones que presentan a corto plazo estos recién nacidos. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de los recién nacidos ≥ 34 semanas de edad gestacional ingresados en el Hospital Virgen del Rocío desde Mayo de 2005 hasta diciembre de 2008. Dividimos la población en dos grupos: pretérmino tardío (34-36+6 semanas de edad gestacional, n = 769) y a término (37-41+6 semanas de edad gestacional, n = 1.460) comparando la mortalidad y la morbilidad a corto plazo entre los dos grupos. Resultados: La prematuridad tardía se asoció con la reproducción asistida, la gestación gemelar, la preclampsia materna y el parto por cesárea. El riesgo de ingreso hospitalario fueseis veces mayor en estos recién nacidos, siendo cerca de dos veces mayor la necesidad de ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatal. El tiempo de estancia hospitalaria fue el doble en este grupo. En cuanto a los motivos de ingresos, se evidenció una mayor incidencia de distrés respiratorio e ictericia. La necesidad de surfactante, oxigenoterapia y soporte respiratorio (presión positiva continua en la vía aérea y ventilación mecánica convencional) fue igualmente mayor. No hubo diferencias significativas entre ambos grupos en relación con la presencia de hipoglucemia que precisara ingreso ni en cuanto a la mortalidad neonatal. Conclusiones: Los recién nacidos pretérmino tardíos de nuestro medio representan un colectivo bien definido de riesgo de presentar complicaciones por lo que deben disponerse los recursos necesarios para su atención diferenciada (AU)

Introduction: Late preterm infants, born at 34-36+6 weeks gestation, are physiologically more immature than term infants. As a consequence, they have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Since health outcomes in prematurity may change depending on local factors we have proposed determine the short-term medical problems of these infants in our hospital. Patients and methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out on all newborn ≥ 34 weeks gestation admitted to Virgen del Rocio hospital from May 2005 to December 2008. We divided this cohort into late preterm (34-36+6 weeks, n = 769) and term (37-41+6 weeks, n = 1460) groups. We compared mortality and morbidity data between the 2 groups. Results: Late preterm group was associated with assisted reproduction, twin pregnancy, caesarean delivery and preeclampsia during pregnancy. The risk of hospitalization was six times greater in these infants and neonatal intensive care admissions were twice as common. The hospital stay was double in this group. Neonatal respiratory morbidity and jaundice were greater in the preterm group. The use of surfactant, oxygen and respiratory support (CPAP and CMV ) was also higher. There were no significant differences in hypoglycaemia and neonatal mortality between both groups. Conclusions: Late preterm infants represent a well-defined risk group for developing complications and should be available the necessary resources should be made available for their special care (AU)

[Short-term complications of late preterm infants]. / Complicaciones a corto plazo de los recién nacidos pretérmino tardíos.

INTRODUCTION: Late preterm infants, born at 34-36(+6) weeks gestation, are physiologically more immature than term infants. As a consequence, they have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Since health outcomes in prematurity may change depending on local factors we have proposed determine the short-term medical problems of these infants in our hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was carried out on all newborn ≥ 34 weeks gestation admitted to Virgen del Rocio hospital from May 2005 to December 2008. We divided this cohort into late preterm (34-36(+6) weeks, n=769) and term (37-41(+6) weeks, n=1460) groups. We compared mortality and morbidity data between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Late preterm group was associated with assisted reproduction, twin pregnancy, caesarean delivery and preeclampsia during pregnancy. The risk of hospitalization was six times greater in these infants and neonatal intensive care admissions were twice as common. The hospital stay was double in this group. Neonatal respiratory morbidity and jaundice were greater in the preterm group. The use of surfactant, oxygen and respiratory support (CPAP and CMV) was also higher. There were no significant differences in hypoglycaemia and neonatal mortality between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Late preterm infants represent a well-defined risk group for developing complications and should be available the necessary resources should be made available for their special care.