Delivery of the marginally preterm infant: what are the minor morbidities?

Abstract

We sought to determine frequencies of minor morbidities associated with delivery between 32 and 36 weeks' gestation. The study population consisted of all infants delivered between 32 and 36 weeks' gestation at a tertiary care hospital during 1997. Maternal and neonatal charts were abstracted for maternal history, pregnancy complications, and neonatal demographics comparing complications present at each gestational week. The Student t test, chi(2) analysis, and stepwise regression analysis were used to assess statistical significance. Odds ratios were calculated. There were 553 patients eligible for study. There was increased risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission with delivery before 34 weeks' gestation (P <.04). An increased incidence of feeding difficulties was present before 35 weeks' gestation (P <.001). Hypothermia remained more frequent until 35 weeks' gestation (P <.05). Delivery at 35 weeks' gestation did not increase the mean number of neonatal hospital days. Although the incidences of major morbidities decline after 32 weeks' gestation, minor morbidities continue up to 35 to 36 weeks' gestation and may lengthen neonatal hospitalization.