A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY TO COMPARE THE EARLY NEONATAL MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN LATE PRETERM INFANTS WITH THOSE IN TERM NEONATES

Abstract

Aim: To compare the early neonatal morbidity and mortality in late preterm infants with those in term neonates.

Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Bihar for the period of 6 months. The study includes 120 neonates i.e. Group 1; late preterm neonates (N=60) and Group 2; term neonates (N=60).

Results: Total 120 neonates were included in the study; 60 neonates in each group. Late preterm infants had significantly higher morbidity (p?0.05). Early neonatal mortality in late preterm neonates was significantly higher than term neonates (p?0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed that late-preterm neonates have significantly higher risk of morbidity and mortality compared with term newborns. Adequate antenatal and postnatal care are needed to improve the late preterm outcome.

Keywords: preterm neonates, morbidity, mortality.