Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Prematurity: present and future
M E Tsimis1, N Abu Al-Hamayel, H Germaine
1Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine Division of Maternal‑Fetal Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine Division of Maternal‑Fetal Medicine Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Insights
Understanding preterm labor and prematurity has advanced, yet prevention remains challenging. This review covers fetal viability, global disparities, interventions like antenatal corticosteroids, and molecular mechanisms for preterm birth.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Perinatal Research
Background:
- Preterm labor and prematurity understanding has evolved from an obstetric inevitability to a scientifically informed field.
- Despite progress, significant gaps persist in comprehending and preventing preterm birth.
- Global discrepancies, particularly between the US and Europe, highlight the varying scope of the prematurity problem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge on preterm labor and prematurity.
- To discuss fetal viability, the global burden of preterm birth, and outcomes of extreme prematurity.
- To examine interventions, molecular mechanisms, and prediction strategies for preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- Historical perspective and professional organization viewpoints on fetal viability.
- Analysis of global data on preterm birth scope and US-Europe discrepancies.
- Review of longitudinal studies on extreme prematurity and outcomes.
- Examination of antenatal corticosteroid use based on professional recommendations and trials.
- Presentation of basic science updates on molecular mechanisms of preterm labor.
- Inclusion of recent studies on preterm birth prediction and morbidity.
Main Results:
- Fetal viability has historical and evolving professional perspectives.
- Significant international variations exist in preterm birth rates.
- Antenatal corticosteroids show evolving use patterns, especially in late preterm periods.
- Molecular mechanisms of preterm labor are complex with multiple known and presumed etiologies.
- Recent studies offer updates on predicting preterm birth and related morbidity.
Conclusions:
- While scientific advancements have transformed the approach to preterm labor, further research is crucial for effective prevention.
- Understanding the global scope and molecular underpinnings of preterm birth is essential for targeted interventions.
- Continued investigation into antenatal corticosteroid efficacy and novel prediction methods is vital for improving outcomes.
Abstract:
The study of preterm labor and prematurity has undergone a major transformation in its approach from an inevitable part of obstetrics with few answers to one in which science has led to knowledge and clinical intervention. Despite these advancements, understanding of preterm labor and prevention of prematurity is still limited. In the current review, we begin the discussion with fetal viability, first from a historical perspective and then from the understanding of this issue from a prospective of various professional organizations. We then present the scope of the problem of preterm birth from various countries including the discrepancy between the US and Europe. We continue with updates on extreme prematurity and outcomes with two longitudinal studies from the past 2 years. We further review available interventions for prematurity and discuss the use of antenatal corticosteroids. First, we examine their use in the context of professional recommendations and then examine the trajectory of their continued use in the late preterm period. We focus on a European-based trial with preliminary results and an ongoing American counterpart. The current knowledge of molecular mechanisms behind preterm labor is presented with a focus on the multiple etiologies of preterm labor, both known and presumed, with updates in the basic science realm. Furthermore, we present up-to-date studies on prediction of preterm birth and prematurity-related morbidity.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
01:07Teratogenicity
01:17Introduction to Language of Pathophysiology ll
01:30Preventive Healthcare Services
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
01:29Three Developmental Domains
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...