The Liggins Institute in Auckland has conducted research that sheds light on the long-term health outcomes of adults who were born prematurely. The study found that individuals born preterm did not show significant differences in diabetes, prediabetes, or dyslipidemia compared to those born at full term. Surprisingly, adults who were born prematurely actually experienced fewer cardiovascular events than their full-term counterparts. However, the preterm group did show a higher likelihood of developing high blood pressure by the age of 50.
Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks gestation, affects approximately one in 10 births globally. While previous research has linked preterm birth to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues in adulthood, this study aimed to provide a contemporary evaluation of the potential health risks associated with being born prematurely.
The research, published in Pediatrics under the title “Health Outcomes 50 Years After Preterm Birth in Participants of a Trial of Antenatal Betamethasone,” followed up on individuals who were part of a previous trial at the National Women’s Hospital in Auckland. Participants were surveyed about their health and consented to a review of their medical records. The study examined outcomes such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and major cardiovascular events, as well as secondary measures like respiratory health, mental health, and educational attainment.
The results showed that while preterm-born adults had a higher incidence of reported high blood pressure compared to term-born individuals, they actually had a lower risk of major cardiovascular events. Rates of diabetes, prediabetes, and dyslipidemia were similar between the two groups, as were respiratory outcomes and kidney disease prevalence. Mental health disorders were less common in preterm participants, and self-reported depression was lower in this group as well. Educational achievement and mortality rates did not differ significantly between the two groups.
Overall, the study suggests that not all individuals born prematurely will experience worsened cardiovascular outcomes in the long term, especially those born moderately preterm. These findings provide valuable insights into the lasting effects of preterm birth in the era of antenatal corticosteroid use.
For more information on this research, the study can be found in Pediatrics under the title “Health Outcomes 50 Years After Preterm Birth in Participants of a Trial of Antenatal Betamethasone” by Anthony G. B. Walters et al. This study offers valuable insights into the long-term impacts of preterm birth and the implications for adult health outcomes.
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