Risk factors associated with prolonged neonatal intensive care unit stay after threatened late preterm birth

Abstract

Objective

To identify risk factors associated with neonatal intermediate or intensive care unit (NICU) stay ≥3 days among women with threatened late preterm birth (PTB).

Study design

Secondary analysis of women with nonanomalous, singleton gestations enrolled in multicenter trial of betamethasone versus placebo for late PTB. Maternal and obstetric characteristics at time of presentation with threatened PTB were compared between those with and without NICU stay ≥3 days. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for NICU stay ≥3 days.

Result

Of 2795 eligible mother-neonate dyads, 962 (34%) had NICU stay ≥3 days. Gestational age and fetal growth restriction as the reason for threatened PTB had the strongest association with NICU stay ≥3 days in the final model (AUC 0.76).

Conclusion

Maternal and obstetric characteristics at the time of admission for threatened late PTB should be considered when counseling patients about the probability of NICU stay ≥3 days.

Keywords:

• Antenatal corticosteroids
• betamethasone
• late preterm
• neonatal intensive care unit
• preterm birth

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the assistance of the NICHD, the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network, and the ALPS Protocol Subcommittee in making the database available for these analyses. The contents of this report represent the views of the authors and do not represent the views of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network or the National Institutes of Health. The authors also acknowledge Noah S. Green for his contribution in programming the online calculator.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no financial relationships or conflict of interest relevant to this article to disclose.