Indications for delivery and short-term neonatal outcomes in late preterm as compared with term births

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the indications for late preterm birth and compare outcomes by gestational age among late preterm (34-36 weeks) and term (>= 37 weeks) neonates at our institution. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of delivery indications and short-term neonatal outcomes in women who delivered at the University Hospital between January 1, 2005 and Dec. 31, 2006. Data were analyzed using chi(2), Student's t-test, analysis of variance, and post hoc Tukey tests. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine late preterm (n = 49 for 34, n = 50 for 35, n = 50 for 36 weeks) and 150 term infants (n = 50 for 37, n = 50 for 38, n = 50 for 39 weeks or longer) were evaluated. Differences among groups (ie, 34 vs 35 vs 36 vs 37, etc) as well as combinations of differences between 2 groups (ie, 34-36 weeks vs >= 37 or >= 38 weeks) were analyzed. Spontaneous labor and/or rupture of membranes were the most common indications for late preterm delivery (92%). Compared with term, late preterm infants had longer hospital stays (5 days vs 2.4 days; P < .001) and higher rates of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (56% vs 4%; P < .001), feeding problems (36% vs 5%; P < .001), hyperbilirubinemia (25% vs 3%; P < .001), and respiratory complications (20% vs 5%; P < .001). Neonatal complications were minimal at 38 weeks or longer. CONCLUSION: Rates of neonatal intensive care unit admission, length of stay, and neonatal morbidities are significantly higher in late preterm as compared with term births.