title: The epidemiology of respiratory failure in neonates born at an estimated gestational age of 34 weeks or more.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To prospectively evaluate the primary causes for the use of mechanical ventilation in near-term neonates and to determine the rates of death, chronic lung disease, and neurological complications in these infants.
  
  
  METHODS
  We collected data on 1011 neonates who were > or =34 weeks' estimated gestational age; intubated within 72 hours of birth; and expected to require ventilation for more than 6 hours.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study population had a mean estimated gestational age of 37+/-2 weeks; had a mean birth weight of 2.9+/-0.6 kg; and were predominantly male (62%), white (69%), and delivered by cesarean section (55%). Respiratory distress syndrome (n=437) was the most common pulmonary illness. Chronic lung disease was diagnosed in 109 (11%); neurological complications were reported in 86 (9%); and 51 (5%) patients died.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neonates > or =34 weeks who require mechanical ventilation represent a high-risk population who have significant morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc., Sunrise, FL 33323, USA.
authors.forename: Reese H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009017:Morbidity; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors