The increased vulnerability of late preterm infants is no longer a novel concept in neonatology, with many studies documenting excess morbidity and mortality in these infants during the birth hospitalization. Because outcomes related to gestational age constitute a continuum, it is important to analyze data from the gestational age groups that bookend late preterm infants infants-moderate preterm infants (31-32 weeks) and early term infants (37-38 weeks). This article evaluates hospital readmissions and emergency department visits in the first 30 days after discharge from birth hospitalization in a large cohort of infants greater than or equal to 31 weeks’ gestation.
Hospital readmissions and emergency department visits in moderate preterm, late preterm, and early term infants
Authors: Kuzniewicz MW; Parker SJ; Schnake-Mahl A; Escobar GJ
Clin Perinatol. 2013 Dec;40(4):753-75. Epub 2013-09-20.