Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Late Preterm Neonates in Relation to Gestational Age and Maternal Psychosocial Factors in a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

The relationship between maternal psychosocial factors and outcomes among LPN remains unexplored. Objectives: To determine the morbidity profile of LPN with respect to gestational age and study its association with maternal psychosocial, lifestyle and demographic factors. Methodology: Cross-sectional study on LPNs in a tertiary care centre over one year. Results: Total sample: 263. LPN incidence: 94/1000 live births; Maternal age 20-30 years (p=0.03), high screen time (p=0.02), Caesarean section (p=0.02), moderate Maternal Stress (MS) (p=0.014) was associated with (a/w) births at 35 0/6 to 6/7  weeks of gestation (WOG).Low Birth Weight (LBW) LPN: 66.5% incidence, highest at 35 0/6 to 6/7 WOG; a/w maternal age 20-30 (p=0.002), nulliparity (p=0.02), moderate to severe MS (p=0.012), and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) (p=0.04).Small for Gestational Age (SGA): 35%, peaking at 35 0/6 to 6/7 WOG; a/w nulliparity and severe MS. Sepsis 12.2%, highest at 34-35 0/6 to 6/7  WOG (p=0.001); a/w lower-middle socioeconomic status (p=0.05) and multiparity (p=0.02). Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) 5.3%, peaked at 34 0/6 to 6/7 WOG (p=0.044); a/w poor socioeconomic status (p= 0.00). Transient tachypnoea of Newborn (TTN) 49.4%, a/w nulliparity (p=0.02). Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NNH) 57.8%, peaking at 34-35 0/6 to 6/7  WOG (p=0.01); a/w nulliparity (p=0.03). Perinatal asphyxia (PA) 6.5%, highest at 35 WOG. Conclusion: NNH and TTN were common in LPN. 35 WOG related to various risk factors and morbidities. LPN born to mothers with moderate MS, PIH, nulliparity, and age 20-30 were LBW. Mother’s screen time > 4 hours/day a/w LPNs born at 35 WOG.