Abstract: Background: Late preterm infants (LPI), born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks of gestation, are often perceived as "near-term" and functionally mature. However, emerging evidence suggests they are at significantly higher risk for morbidity compared to term infants. This study aimed to compare immediate neonatal outcomes between late preterm and term infants in a tertiary care setting in Mangalore.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Mangalore, from January 2023 to December 2023. It included 250 neonates: 100 late preterm (Cases) and 150 term (Controls). Maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes, including respiratory distress, jaundice, sepsis, and NICU admission rates, were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Student’s t-tests.
Results: The mean birth weight was significantly lower in the late preterm group (2.42±0.35 kg) compared to the term group (2.95±0.41 kg; p<0.001). Late preterm infants had significantly higher rates of NICU admission (36.0% vs. 8.7%; p<0.001), Respiratory Distress Syndrome (18.0% vs. 2.0%; p<0.001), and hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy (24.0% vs. 9.3%; p = 0.002). The mean length of hospital stay was also prolonged in the late preterm group (6.8±2.4 days vs. 3.2±1.1 days; p<0.001).
Conclusion: Late preterm infants exhibit significantly higher morbidity and healthcare utilization compared to term infants. They require vigilant monitoring for respiratory and metabolic complications and should not be treated as "term" infants.
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