Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Moderate to Late Preterm Infants: A Population at Risk

Abstract

An estimated 10% of the population is born preterm. Seventy-five percent of preterm infants are born between 32 and 36 weeks' gestation and classified as moderate to late preterm (MLPT). MLPT infants historically have had less rigorous medical and developmental follow-up after hospital discharge than their extremely preterm peers. Increasing evidence shows these children to be at risk for developmental differences and disorders, behavioral and emotional differences, and a need for increased parenting support. In this review, we aim to examine the epidemiology of MLPT outcomes, the factors influencing their neonatal care that differ from those of their term and extremely preterm peers, and the neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes associated with MLPT birth.