Abstract:
Background: Late preterm infants i.e.,34+0-36+6 weeks gestational-age (GA) are at higher risk for feeding difficulties, hypoglycaemia, jaundice, and re-admissions. Early postnatal care and support could influence outcomes.
Aims: To evaluate: Infant characteristics, indications, admissions to NICU and feeding practices.
Methods: A retrospective audit of late preterm infants over 3 months was conducted. Anonymised data using predefined variables was collected from case records and analysed.
Results: During the audit period, there were 1,126 live births of whom 43 (3.8%) were late preterm and formed the study population. Patient characteristics are shown (Table-1). Indications for NICU admission included: RDS (n=15); feeding support (n=4); Of 12 infants with RDS- a higher prevalence was noted at 34+0- 34+6 wks (n=10) than 35+0 -35+6 weeks (n=5), and 36+0-36+6 weeks (n=1). The distribution of infants admitted to NICU for feeding support were: 34+0-34+6 weeks(n=2), 1 each for the other two categories. In the 1st 4 hrs: majority (n=17) received breast milk, the rest received formula feeds (n=14) or intravenous fluids (IVF) (n=9). 30 mothers had prebirth intention to breastfeed. Modes of initial enteral feeds were via NGT(n=17); excusive breastfeeds(n=14). 9 infants did not receive feeds in the 1st 4 hours.38/40 (95%) infants commenced enteral feeds within 24hrs of life. At discharge from hospital, 31 infants (77.5%) received breastmilk (n= 26 exclusively breastfeeds; n=5 combined feeding).
Conclusions: Late preterm infants had varying indications for NICU admission. A large proportion were able to establish early enteral feeds and sustained breastfeeding at discharge. Further, Transitional-care pathways were developed, breastfeeding projects were undertaken, and a reaudit is planned.
