Consequences of Preterm Birth in Childhood and Adulthood

Preterm birth is associated with decreased long-term survival and lower rates of reproduction.

The long-term outcome of children born preterm (<37 weeks’ gestation) was assessed by Norwegian investigators in a population-based birth cohort of more than 1 million singleton births from 1967 through 1988 that were followed through 2004. Overall, 5.6% of boys and 4.7% of girls were born prematurely.

Compared with term boys, extremely preterm (22–27 weeks’ gestation) boys had increased risk for death early (age range, 1–6) and late (age range, 6–13) in childhood (relative risks, 5.3 and 7.0, respectively). Extremely preterm girls had increased risk for early, but not late, childhood mortality (RR, 9.7) compared with term girls. Very preterm (28–32 weeks’ gestation) boys, but not girls, also had increased early and late childhood mortality.…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)