THE “LOST TRIBE” OF NEAR-TERM BABIES

In the last quarter-century the seriously preterm babies—those <32 weeks, originally, but now those <30 weeks—have been the main focus of attention for obstetricians delivering women, and neonatologists caring for the babies. Even though near-term babies actually account for far more admissions to special care facilities, and seldom require intensive care, there’s a general feeling that they mostly do OK. The research literature confirms that it is generally the very preterm, or the baby <1500 g, that commands clinical focus and research funding. So it is most welcome that Escobar et al, examining the fortunes of babies 30 to 34 weeks in California and Massachusetts, can begin to tell us something about the lost tribe of more mature babies, and shake our complacency with figures such as an 11% readmission rate after discharge home.
See page 238 …