Respiratory failure in "late preterm" infants: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of the respiratory failure in late preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective data analysis in years 2006-2007 in late preterm infants (GA 34(+0)-36(+6) weeks) with respiratory failure, admitted at a tertiary level NICU. RESULT: Data from 1011 late preterm infants, which accounted for 7% of all deliveries and 65% of preterm births were analyzed; 29% (292/1011) required intensive care and 13% (136/1011) presented respiratory failure (16% of all ventilated infants in the period). In late preterms with respiratory failure 23% (32/136) were treated with prenatal steroids 46% (62/136) with non -invasive ventilation (nasal continuous positive airways pressure = nCPAP) while 41% (56/136) were intubated and received exogenous surfactant. Mean days of ventilation were 5.3 +/- 6.5 (0.5-55); 3.7% (5/136) developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia defined as oxygen-dependency at 36 postconceptional age and mortality was 1.5% (2/136). CONCLUSION: Respiratory failure incidence and characteristics in late preterms suggest their peculiarity and relevance in neonatal intensive care.