Resuscitative procedures at birth in late preterm infants.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the need for resuscitative procedures at birth, in late prematures.


METHODS
This prospective cohort study enrolled all liveborn infants from 1 to 30 September 2003, with 34 to 41 weeks of gestation without congenital anomalies, born in 35 public hospitals of 20 Brazilian state capitals. Logistic regression analyzed variables associated with the need for bag and mask ventilation.


RESULTS
Of the 10 774 infants studied, 1054 were late preterms and 485 required resuscitative measures. Of the 1054, 338 (32%) received only free-flow oxygen, 143 (14%) were bag and mask ventilated, 27 (3%) were intubated and 10/27 received chest compressions and/or medications. Bag and mask ventilation in late preterms was associated with twin gestation, maternal hypertension, nonvertex presentation, cesarean delivery and lower gestational age.


CONCLUSIONS
Improving control of maternal hypertension, prolonging gestation for 1 to 2 weeks and restricting operative deliveries could decrease the need of resuscitation of late preterms at birth.
de Almeida
M F B
MF
Neonatal Division, Department of Pediatrics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Guinsburg
R
R
da Costa
J O
JO
Anchieta
L M
LM
Freire
L M S
LM
Junior
D Campos
DC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*