Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
The basics of prematurity
1AI duPont Hospital for Children, Main Line Hospitals, Bryn Mawr, PA, USA. mmkelly22@comcast.net
Insights
Premature birth before 37 weeks
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Primary Care
Background:
- Prematurity is a leading risk factor for infant mortality.
- In 2002, 1 in 8 infants were born prematurely.
- This series educates providers on post-discharge care for premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide pediatric primary care providers with essential knowledge on premature infant care.
- Part I focuses on incidence, terminology, and comorbidities.
- Subsequent parts will cover uncomplicated and complex premature infant management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current data on prematurity.
- Definition and classification of prematurity.
- Overview of common comorbidities in premature infants.
Main Results:
- Established prematurity as birth before 37 weeks' gestation.
- Highlighted the significant incidence of premature births.
- Detailed common health issues associated with preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Understanding prematurity's scope and associated conditions is crucial for effective pediatric care.
- This series aims to bridge knowledge gaps for primary care providers.
- Preparedness for managing premature infants post-discharge is essential.
Abstract:
Prematurity is the greatest single risk factor for death within the first year of life. The March of Dimes and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define prematurity as birth before the completion of 37 weeks' gestation. In 2002, one in eight babies were delivered prematurely. This manuscript is Part I of a three-part series on premature infants. The overall goal of this series is to educate pediatric primary care providers regarding topics specific to delivering care to premature infants after discharge. Part I addresses the incidence of prematurity and the terminology used in neonatal literature and provides an overview of common comorbidities associated with prematurity. Part II will focus on the primary care management of uncomplicated premature infants. Part III will highlight issues of primary care for medically complex premature infants.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomical Positions
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
Teratogenicity
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The Nativist Approach
Development of the Oral Microbiota

