Late prematuriteit: een risicopopulatie?

Late preterm infant: a population at risk? Late preterm infants, infants born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation, were called near term before 2005, which may lead to the assumption that they are mature and an underestimation of their risks. Late preterm infants are physiologically and metabolically immature. Compared to term infants they have increased morbidity rates, including problems such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, feeding difficulties and respiratory and immunological issues. In late preterm infants there are increased mortality rates, prolonged hospitalizations at birth, more readmissions and higher healthcare costs. The infants also have a higher risk of neurological and developmental problems and long-term respiratory, cardiovascular and metabolic difficulties. Despite their relative size and apparently mature appearance, late preterm infants should not be treated like term infants. They require careful monitoring immediately after birth, as well as during childhood and even adolescence. Child-birth should not be scheduled during the late preterm period without medical indication. The risk of continuing the pregnancy must be weighed against the risk of premature birth. The prevention and a better monitoring of late preterm infants can lead to healthcare savings.