Comparison of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) between Gestational Age 34 Weeks and 35-36 Weeks

Abstract

Objective:To compare the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in late preterm infants at gestational age of 34 weeks and 35-36 weeks and also to compare the rates of short term neonatal complications among infants at gestational age of 34, 35-36 weeks and term (37-40 weeks).Materials and Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort design. Two hundred late preterm (99 cases for GA 34 weeks and 101 cases for GA of 35-36 weeks) and 100 normal term neonates were recruited. RDS and short-term complications in neonates who were born at the Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital from January 2011 to June 2014 were compared. The data were analyzed with Chi-square test, Student’s t-test and analysis of variance where appropriate. Result:RDS rate was higher in the late preterm group with GA 34-346/7 weeks than in the group with GA 35-366/7 weeks (15% and 4.0% respectively with p = 0.015). There was no RDS in normal term (GA 37-40 weeks) babies. The short-term complications: oxygen requirement, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, NICU admission and hospital stay were also higher in 34-346/7 week gestation group.Conclusion: The incidence of RDS is significantly higher in late preterm with GA 34-346/7 weeks than other groups.

Keywords

• Respiratory distress syndrome
• Respiratory complication