Morbidity Patterns of Late Preterm Babies Born Small for Gestation.

OBJECTIVE

To compare hypoglycemia and the other early neonatal morbidities (from birth till hospital discharge) of late preterm babies born small for gestational age (LP SGA) with their appropriate for age (LP AGA) counterparts.

METHODS

LP SGA and LP AGA, as defined by Fenton charts, were prospectively followed-up to assess development of predefined morbidities, mortality and readmission rates at one month. All live inborn late preterm babies (340/7 to 366/7 weeks, n = 238) were included.

RESULTS

LP SGA babies (n = 72) as compared to LP AGA babies (n = 166) were at higher risk for developing at least one predefined neonatal morbidity before hospital discharge [RR 1.93 (1.6-2.3; p < 0.001)]. These included hypoglycemia, hypothermia, respiratory morbidity needing support, jaundice needing treatment, feeding difficulties, birth asphyxia, and sepsis; besides, significant rates of readmissions and duration of hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Being born small for gestation age acts an additional jeopardizing factor in late preterm babies.