[The late preterm infants--time to put our mind].

As late preterm infants are defined children born in the 340/7- 366/7 gestational age period. Their body mass is usually above 2500, that's why they are often incorrectly rated as mature by both parents and the medical professionals. Infants born in the period 34-37 g.a. are functionally and metabolically immature, they have a difficult postnatal adaptation. This explains the higher morbidity rate and the fourfold higher neonatal mortality in comparison to the babies born in term. The following review examines the reasons for the rising number of births in the period 34-37 g.a. The most common early disturbances of adaptation among the late preterm infants are described: hypothermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome, apnea, jaundice, nutrition disorders. Their therapy demands a long hospital stay and often expensive intensive care. The long-term disabilities among the late preterm infants are not well enough examined, but there is data for a higher cerebral palsy rate, hypotrophy, talking and behavior diversion. In the last 15 years the rate of the late preterm births has increased from 7% up to 10-12% of the total birth count. The indicators for conducting such births should be more precise. The care for the late preterm infant should take into consideration the level of immaturity and the numerous problems of adaptation.