Preterm birth is a significant risk factor for mortality throughout life, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, revealed that individuals born prematurely face an increased risk of death from birth up to the third and fourth decades of life.
Approximately 10% of all births worldwide are classified as preterm, occurring before 37 weeks gestation. Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant mortality globally and the second leading cause of death for children under the age of 5. The long-term effects of preterm birth have been a topic of interest, as understanding these effects can help in developing preventative strategies and interventions to improve the health of individuals born prematurely.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Asma M. Ahmed, emphasized the importance of investigating the short-term and long-term mortality risks associated with preterm birth. The researchers analyzed a cohort of nearly 5 million live births in Canada, with 6.9% classified as preterm. The participants, born between 1983 and 1996, were followed up until 2019, providing valuable insights into the mortality risks over a period of 23 to 36 years.
The study categorized preterm births into different gestational age subcategories and compared them with full-term births. The findings revealed that preterm birth is linked to an increased risk of death across all age groups up to 36 years, with the highest risks observed in the first year of life and early childhood. Additionally, lower gestational age at birth was associated with higher mortality risks, with those born before 28 weeks facing the greatest risks.
Various causes of mortality were identified in individuals born preterm, including respiratory, circulatory, and digestive system disorders, nervous system, endocrine, and infectious diseases, cancers, and congenital malformations. Dr. Ahmed stressed the importance of recognizing preterm birth as a significant risk factor for mortality and highlighted the need for long-term follow-up care and monitoring to mitigate these risks.
Further research is warranted in different populations, especially in low-income and middle-income countries where preterm birth rates are highest. Identifying underlying factors contributing to the increased mortality risk after preterm birth is crucial for developing targeted interventions. The study sheds light on the ongoing impact of preterm birth on mortality and underscores the importance of comprehensive care for individuals born prematurely.
For more information, the study titled “Short-Term and Long-Term Mortality Risk After Preterm Birth” can be accessed in JAMA Network Open. The research was conducted by Dr. Asma M. Ahmed et al. from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Additional studies in diverse populations are needed to further understand the implications of preterm birth on long-term health outcomes.
