Outcomes of late preterm birth: Who is at risk and for what?

摘要

Studies of outcomes of late preterm (LP) birth, defined as delivery at 32 to 36 6/7 weeks' gestational age (GA), have implications for the largest and fastest growing segment of the preterm population. Neonatal mortality and morbidity are more common in LP children than in those born full term (FT) with normal birthweight. A recent survey indicated poorer developmental and learning outcomes in young LP children compared with FT controls.Lipkind et al added to this literature by documenting the negative impact of LP birth on academic achievement in a sample of school-age children born in New York City and attending the New York City public schools at the time of the outcome assessments. By examining the effects of GA on outcomes controlling for sociodemographic factors, admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, maternal risks, and complications of labor and delivery, the findings help to isolate the deleterious effects of shortened GA from those related to other factors.