Developmental physiology of late and moderate prematurity

Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2012 Jun;17(3):126-31. doi: 10.1016/j.siny.2012.01.010. Epub 2012 Feb 7.

Abstract

This is a brief review of the developmental physiology of selected organ and functional systems in moderate and late preterm infants. This outline provides a discussion of the physiological underpinnings for some of the clinical conditions seen in this group of infants, including hypothermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea, severe respiratory failure, apnea, feeding difficulties, jaundice, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apnea / physiopathology
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / physiopathology
  • Hypothermia / physiopathology
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / growth & development
  • Infant, Premature / physiology*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / physiopathology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / physiopathology
  • Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn / physiopathology