Preterm Birth Linked to Increased Risk of Death Across the Lifespan, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto has shed light on the long-term effects of being born preterm. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, reveals that individuals born prematurely face an elevated risk of mortality from birth up to the third and fourth decades of life.
Preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation, affects approximately 10% of all births worldwide. It is a leading cause of infant mortality globally and the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 5. The study aimed to investigate whether individuals born preterm have a higher risk of short-term and long-term mortality compared to those born full term.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Asma M. Ahmed, highlighted the importance of understanding the lifelong implications of preterm birth in order to develop preventative strategies and interventions to improve the health outcomes of preterm individuals. While the majority of preterm babies survive into adulthood, there is growing evidence indicating an increased risk of mortality throughout life.
The researchers analyzed a cohort of nearly 5 million live births in Canada, of which 6.9% were preterm. The participants, born between 1983 and 1996, were followed up until 2019, providing a follow-up period ranging from 23 to 36 years. Preterm births were categorized into different gestational age subcategories and compared with full-term births.
The study found that preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of death across all age groups up to 36 years of age, with the highest risks observed in the first year of life and early childhood. The risk of mortality was found to be higher in individuals born at lower gestational ages, with those born before 28 weeks facing the highest risks.
Additionally, the study identified increased risks of mortality associated with various causes such as respiratory, circulatory, and digestive system disorders, nervous system and infectious diseases, cancers, and congenital malformations. These findings underscore the significance of recognizing preterm birth as a significant risk factor for mortality and emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up care for individuals born preterm.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized the need for further research in diverse populations, particularly 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 to mitigate these risks.
In conclusion, the study highlights the lifelong impact of preterm birth on mortality risk and underscores the importance of providing comprehensive care and monitoring for individuals born prematurely. By understanding and addressing the long-term consequences of preterm birth, healthcare providers can work towards improving the health outcomes of this vulnerable population.
