Preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at increased risk of rehospitalization after discharge, and the most common indication for rehospitalization is a respiratory problem. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and perinatal risk factors for preterm infants who are at high risk of rehospitalization due to lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The present study enrolled 155 of an overall 255 babies of equal or less than 32 weeks’ gestation discharged from the NICU and followed up for LRTI during outpatient check-ups. Of the 155 babies, 80 were male (51.6%) and 75 female (48.3%), and the mean birth weight was 1365 ± 355 g. Seventy-three (47%) babies had at least one LRTI and 34 of them (21.9%) were rehospitalized. Incidence of LRTI was higher in those having a sibling of school age (p=0.003). The hospitalization duration was longer for babies who had LRTI (p=0.02). There was no statistical difference in respiratory cyncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis between the LRTI and non-LRTI groups. However, rehospitalized babies needed higher monoclonal antibody dose for RSV prophylaxis in contrast to those not hospitalized. The starting time for RSV prophylaxis was later in the hospitalized babies and showed statistical significance. However, no difference was found in terms of the response to the prophylaxis. Preterm babies have higher risk for development of LRTI and thus need rehospitalization. We think that these high-risk babies should be recognized earlier, and further, that preventive strategies and prophylactic management will decrease the risk and need for rehospitalization.

Keywords: alt solunum yolu enfeksiyonu, prematüre bebek, respiratuar sinsitiyal virus.