Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
A Preterm Rat Model for Pain Studies
Published on: February 9, 2024
Is there an association between preterm birth or low birthweight and chronic widespread pain? Results from the 1958
C Littlejohn1, D Pang, C Power
1Aberdeen Pain Research Collaboration (Epidemiology Group), Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK. chris.littlejohn@nhs.net
Insights
Premature birth may increase the risk of adult chronic widespread pain (CWP), though not statistically significant. Early life factors might contribute to the development of chronic pain conditions later in life.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Perinatal Health
- Pain Research
Background:
- Chronic widespread pain (CWP) is a significant health concern with complex etiology.
- Understanding early life determinants of adult CWP is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between gestational age and birthweight with the risk of developing adult chronic widespread pain (CWP).
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 18,558 participants.
- Birthweight and gestational age were recorded at birth.
- CWP was assessed via questionnaire at age 45 in 8572 participants.
Main Results:
- Premature birth (<37 weeks) showed a non-significant 26% increased risk of CWP (RR 1.26).
- This association was robust to adjustments for sex, social class, and birthweight, but attenuated by childhood behavioral issues and adult psychiatric disorders.
- Low birthweight (LBW) and very low birthweight (VLBW) were not significantly associated with increased CWP risk.
Conclusions:
- Premature birth and VLBW may be associated with a modest, non-significant increase in adult CWP risk.
- Findings suggest early life factors could play a role in the origins of adult chronic pain.
- Further research with increased statistical power is needed to confirm these associations.
Objective:
The aim was to examine the relationship between gestational age and birthweight and adult chronic widespread pain (CWP).
Design And Participants:
A prospective cohort study of 18,558 participants recorded birthweight and gestation at birth.
Exposure:
Participants were categorised by gestation (fullterm ≥37 weeks; preterm <37 week) and birthweight (full birthweight (FBW) ≥2.5 kg; low birthweight (LBW) 1.5-2.5 kg; and very low birthweight (VLBW) <1.5 kg).
Outcome:
The presence or absence of CWP was measured by self-completed questionnaire in 8572 participants at age 45 yrs. Risk ratios were calculated using Poisson regression. Adjustment was made for potential confounding factors.
Results:
Premature birth was associated with a 26% increase in the risk of CWP compared to fullterm birth, although this was not statistically significant (risk ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 0.95-1.67). This increased risk was robust to adjustment for sex, social class at birth and age 42 yrs, or birthweight, but was completely attenuated when adjusted for childhood behavioural problems and adult psychiatric disorder. LBW was not associated with an increased risk of CWP (RR 1.01, 95%CI 0.78-1.32). VLBW was associated with a non-significant increased risk (RR 1.48, 0.42-5.22) although there was insufficient study power to examine this relationship in the context of other factors.
Conclusions:
Premature birth and VLBW are associated with increased risk of adult CWP although these effects are modest, and not statistically significant. Although not conclusive in itself, this study lends support to the theory that adult chronic pain may have its origins - at least in part - in very early life.
