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Fighting for the next generation: US Prematurity in 2030
Edward R B McCabe1, Gerard E Carrino2, Rebecca B Russell2
1March of Dimes Foundation, White Plains, New York emccabe@marchofdimes.org.
Insights
Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant concern in the US, affecting 1 in 9 newborns. Achieving an aspirational goal of 5.5% PTB by 2030 is possible and crucial for infant health.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Health
- Public Health Initiatives
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Preterm birth (PTB) affects over 450,000 US neonates annually, with rates peaking at 12.8% in 2006.
- Despite a decline to 11.4% by 2013, PTB remains a leading cause of neonatal mortality and lifelong disability.
- The societal cost of PTB is substantial, estimated at over $26.2 billion annually.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the persistent challenge of preterm birth in the United States.
- To advocate for a reduction in the national preterm birth rate.
- To establish a benchmark for improved neonatal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national preterm birth rate trends since 1980.
- Benchmarking US PTB rates against Very High Human Development Index (VHHDI) countries.
- Review of successful PTB reduction strategies in comparable nations.
Main Results:
- The US experienced a significant rise in PTB from 1980 until 2006.
- The US PTB rate, though declining, remains high compared to other VHHDI countries.
- An aspirational goal of 5.5% PTB by 2030 is proposed, aligning with rates achieved in top-performing VHHDI nations.
Conclusions:
- The current US preterm birth rate is unacceptably high, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Achieving a 5.5% preterm birth rate by 2030 is an attainable and critical goal for improving neonatal health.
- This ambitious target, achievable with optimal care, will enhance the start of life for future generations.
Abstract:
Preterm birth (PTB) is a serious problem, with >450 000 neonates born prematurely in the United States every year. Beginning in 1980, the United States experienced a nearly 3-decade rise in the PTB rate, peaking in 2006 at 12.8%. PTB has declined for 7 consecutive years to 11.4% in 2013, but it still accounts for 1 in 9 neonates born every year. In addition to elevated neonatal and infant mortality among those born preterm, many who survive will have lifelong morbidities and disabilities. Because of the burden of morbidity, disability, and mortality for PTB, as well as its impact more broadly on society, including excess annual costs estimated to be at least $26.2 billion by a committee for the Institute of Medicine, the March of Dimes initiated the Prematurity Campaign in 2003. In 2008 the March of Dimes established a goal of reducing the US PTB rate to 9.6% by 2020. However, the United States ranks extremely poorly for PTB rates among Very High Human Development Index (VHHDI) countries, subjecting untold numbers of neonates to unnecessary morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the March of Dimes proposes an aspirational goal of 5.5% for the 2030 US PTB rate, which would put the United States in the top 4 (10%) of 39 VHHDI countries. This 5.5% PTB rate is being achieved in VHHDI countries and by women from diverse settings receiving optimal care. This goal can be reached and will ensure a better start in life for many more neonates in the next generation.
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