[Respiratory failure in "late preterm" infants: a retrospective cohort study].

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of the respiratory failure in late preterm infants.

Study Design: Retrospective data analysis in years 2006-2007 in late preterm infants (GA 34(+0)-36(+6) weeks) with respiratory failure, admitted at a tertiary level NICU.

Result: Data from 1011 late preterm infants, which accounted for 7% of all deliveries and 65% of preterm births were analyzed; 29% (292/1011) required intensive care and 13% (136/1011) presented respiratory failure (16% of all ventilated infants in the period).