Morbidity and Healthcare Burden of Late Preterm Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study from a Tertiary Center in Albania
European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34(4s),258-264
Keywordslate preterm.morbidity, NICU, limited resource country Abbrevations: NICU -Neonatal Intensive Care Unit LP -Late Preterm RDS-Respiratory Distress Syndrome TTN-Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn ALL- Albanian Lek GA-Gestational Age LGA-Large for Gestational Age SGA-Small for Gestational Age AGA-Apropriate for Gestational Age IUGR-Intrauterine Growth Restriction
AuthorsAbstractBackground: Late preterm infants (34⁰/₇–36⁶/₇ weeks of gestation) account for a substantial proportion of preterm births and are at increased risk of morbidity compared to term neonates, particularly in resourcelimited settings. Objectives: To assess the incidence, maternal and neonatal morbidity, and associated healthcare burden of late preterm infants in a tertiary center in Albania. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the University Obstetric and Gynecological Hospital “Koço Gliozheni”, Tirana, Albania, from January 2014 to January 2016. All infants born between 34⁰/₇ and 36⁶/₇ weeks of gestation were included and stratified into three groups (34, 35, and 36 weeks). Maternal, perinatal, and neonatal data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Among 8,843 total births, 586 (6.6%) were late preterm infants, representing 66.1% of all preterm births. Lower gestational age was significantly associated with higher NICU admission rates (56.8% at 34 weeks vs. 21.6% at 36 weeks, p < 0.001), increased respiratory morbidity, including transient tachypnea and respiratory distress syndrome (p < 0.05), and higher rates of suspected and confirmed sepsis (p < 0.05). Hyperbilirubinemia was more frequent in infants born at 34 weeks (48.5%) compared to 36 weeks (19.7%) (p < 0.001). Birth weight, Apgar scores, and length of hospital stay differed significantly across gestational age groups (p < 0.05). Among maternal variables, only antenatal corticosteroid use showed a significant association (p < 0.001). The estimated cost per case was approximately 130 USD. Conclusions: Late preterm infants, particularly those born at earlier gestational ages, remain at significant risk for morbidity and increased healthcare utilization. These findings underline the importance of optimized perinatal management and resource planning in low- and middle-income countries.
IntroductionLate preterm infants, defined as those born between 34⁰/₇ and 36⁶/₇ weeks of gestation, represent a substantial and increasing proportion of all preterm births worldwide (1). Although often considered physiologically similar to term infants, it is demonstrated that late preterm infants are at significantly higher risk of morbidity and mortality compared to those born at term (2,3). Globally, late preterm births account for approximately 70–75% of all preterm deliveries, contributing considerably to neonatal healthcare burden (4). These infants are particularly vulnerable due to physiological and metabolic immaturity, affecting multiple organ systems, including respiratory, neurological, and metabolic functions (5). Respiratory complications such as transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) are among the most common causes of morbidity in this population, largely due to delayed •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org- Published by Riset Publishing Services LLC.
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