Background. In Italy, children born Late Preterm (LPs, 34-36 weeks of gestational age) represent about 4% of all births. LPs have a higher risk of mortality, repeated hospitalizations in early life, chronic illnesses and functional limitations, compared
to children born at term. Moreover, LPs are more likely to experience difficulties in their neurodevelopment, which may impair adaptation, especially at school. This study explores the developmental and behavioural outcomes of LPs compared to those of “Very Preterm” (VPs) or “Full Term” (FTs) peers.
Methods. The paediatricians involved, recruited, among their patients, all VPs and LPs aged 7-10 years and a number of FTs twice that of the LPs. Mothers of children filled in a protocol consisting of a medical history form and three questionnaires.
Results. 554 questionnaires were collected and processed (39 VPs, 183 LPs and 332 FTs). The three groups were significantly different in terms of birth weight (p < .001), twin pregnancy (p < .001), type of delivery (p <.001), type of pregnancy (p < .001) and gender
(p < .05). FTs show better school achievements than VPs and LPs (p < .001). The LPs showed more symptoms of anxiety (p < .05) and aggressive behaviours (p < .001) than the FTs and, together with VPs, social problems (p < .001). VPs score significantly lower than FTs in the fine motor (p < .05) and in the general coordination abilities (p = .01). Mothers of the LPs reported a lower mental and physical wellbeing than mothers of FTs (p = .06).
Conclusions. These data show that preterm children are more vulnerable that counterparts born at term in some developmental areas. Particularly, LPs present more difficulties in school achievements and in some behaviour, compared to FTs, often similarly to VPs. Mothers of the LPs perceive more mental and physical discomfort than mothers of FTs
