The impact of latency duration on the outcomes for preterm neonates at 24-32 weeks of gestation

To evaluate the impact of latency duration on the outcomes for preterm neonates at 24–32 weeks of gestation. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos from 2014 to 2016. The study group consisted of alive preterm infants at 24–32 weeks of gestation with latency period longer than 24 hours (n=57). Subjects were divided into two groups according to latency duration 24–72 hours (N=17) and ≥72 hours (N=40) and gestational age – 24–28 weeks (N=22) and 29–32 weeks (N=35). Results. The latency was longer in neonates with intraventricular haemorrhage (151.7±117.31 hrs. vs. 119±91.43 hrs. p=0.000), diagnosed neonatal infection (148.1±113.12 hrs. vs. 91.8±48.5 hrs. p=0.025), confirmed early onset sepsis (215.3±32.04 hrs. vs. 123.46±99.1 hrs., p=0.029) comparing with infants without these outcomes. The significant inverse correlation was found between mothers blood C-reactive protein concentration and latency duration among newborns with intraventricular haemorrhage (p=0.0312). The incidence of neonatal infection, intensified antibiotic treatment, mechanical ventilation, surfactant treatment was higher among neonates with lower gestational age. A significant association was found between prolonged latency duration and neonatal infection, sepsis, intensified antibiotic treatment, surfactant treatment among 29–32 weeks newborns. Conclusions. The latency was longer in neonates with intraventricular haemorrhage, diagnosed neonatal infection and confirmed early onset sepsis. Pregnancies with PPROM at 29–32 weeks of gestation might be considered to benefit from early planned delivery