Peculiarities of development and lesions of the central nervous system in late preterm newborns

Abstract

The last weeks of pregnancy are a critical period of intrauterine development of the central nervous system. In late preterm infants born at gestational age 340/7 — 366/7 weeks, the maturation of the central nervous system continues postnatally, which determines its high vulnerability to various pathologic effects. Morphofunctional immaturity and frequent complications of the neonatal period increase the likelihood of early brain lesions leading to further disorders of neuropsychiatric development. Even in the absence of clinically significant neurological abnormalities in the neonatal period, late preterm neonates have a risk of social-adaptive, behavioral, motor and cognitive impairments in later life. Predicting the outcome of central nervous system lesions in late preterm neonates is possible with the help of neuroimaging methods, as well as with the use of specialized tools to assess various areas of psychomotor development. Modern approaches to prevent neurological complications include prevention and treatment of hypoxia, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, infections, provision of adequate nutritional support and adherence to vaccination in late preterm neonates.