Belgian Journal of Paediatrics
Late preterm pathologies and prognosis
Vol. 24 No. 1 (2022), Review articles
Vol. 24 No. 1 (2022)

Late preterm pathologies and prognosis

Review articles
Published 2022-04-10 — Updated on 2023-01-17
Sarah Verbeeck
Neonatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (joint first author)
Pauline Naessens
Neonatology, University Hospitals, Ghent, Belgium (joint first author)
Julie Van Poucke
Neonatology, CHU Tivoli, La Louvière, Belgium
Elodie Strebelle
Neonatology, CHU Tivoli, La Louvière, Belgium
An Eerdekens
Neonatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

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Keywords

gestational age
late preterm
prematurity
morbidity
mortality

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How to Cite

Verbeeck, S., Naessens, P., Van Poucke, J., Strebelle, E., & Eerdekens, A. (2023). Late preterm pathologies and prognosis. Belgian Journal of Paediatrics, 24(1), 45–48. Retrieved from https://belgjpaediatrics.com/index.php/bjp/article/view/93 (Original work published April 10, 2022)
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Abstract

Infants born between 34 weeks 0 days and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation are called late preterm infants (LPTi). This group accounts for the majority of preterm infants.

Late preterm birth is associated with a higher risk of immediate clinical problems in a wide variety of organ systems. This includes the need for respiratory support, gastro-intestinal immaturity, hypoglycemia, hypothermia and hyperbilirubinemia. There are also more long-term morbidities with higher risk for neurodevelopmental problems and chronic respiratory and metabolic pathologies.

Therefore, this group is associated with high societal, emotional and financial costs. They require special attention during hospitalization and follow-up. Developing a structural care program in maternity and neonatal units can be useful.

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