Premature birth not only poses immediate health challenges but also carries long-term risks, including an increased likelihood of early death well into adulthood, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The research shows the critical need for both immediate and long-term care for individuals born preterm.

Dr Asma Ahmed, lead researcher and assistant professor of epidemiology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, explains the importance of recognizing the extended health risks associated with preterm births. "Understanding these long-term effects allows us to develop preventative strategies and improve care for preterm individuals," she noted.

Globally, approximately 1 in 10 births is preterm, defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality and the second most common cause of death in children under 5 years old. While the majority of premature infants survive into adulthood, the study reveals a persistent increased risk of premature death extending into their 30s.

The researchers analyzed data from nearly 5 million live births in Canada between 1983 and 1996, of which 6.9 per cent were preterm. The subjects were monitored for up to 36 years, with results linking preterm birth to higher mortality rates across all age groups, particularly in childhood and early adulthood.

The study found that risks were most pronounced in:

- Infancy (0-11 months),

- Early childhood (1-5 years),

- Adolescence and young adulthood.

Premature deaths were primarily associated with respiratory, circulatory, and digestive disorders; neurological and endocrine system diseases; infections; cancers; and congenital anomalies. The risk was highest for those born before 28 weeks of gestation.

Dr Ahmed stressed the need for comprehensive care beyond the neonatal period. "Long-term monitoring and care are essential to mitigate these risks," she said. The study underscores the importance of recognizing preterm birth as a significant risk factor for early mortality, extending into the third and fourth decades of life.

Further research is critical, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where preterm birth rates are highest, and healthcare resources may be limited. Understanding these disparities could guide global efforts to reduce risks and improve outcomes for preterm infants.

As per the data by the World Health Organization, India has the highest number of preterm births globally, with approximately 3.5 million premature babies born annually. It accounts for a significant portion of the global total, as preterm births are a pressing concern worldwide. Other countries with high numbers of preterm births include China (1.2 million), Nigeria (773,600), and Pakistan (748,100). These figures highlight the disparities in maternal and neonatal health care across the region.

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