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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Recent advances in the prevention of preterm birth
Jeff A Keelan1, John P Newnham1
1Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia.
Insights
Preventing spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) is crucial for improving infant outcomes. Multifaceted strategies combining public health, improved healthcare, and targeted interventions are key to reducing PTB rates.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Preterm birth (PTB) significantly contributes to infant morbidity and mortality, with rates remaining static despite advances in neonatal care.
- Improved perinatal outcomes for preterm neonates contrast with persistent challenges in preventing spontaneous PTB.
- Translational research and new initiatives are beginning to address PTB rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress and opportunities in preterm birth prevention strategies.
- To highlight areas for future exploitation, evaluation, and implementation in PTB prevention.
- To provide a selective overview of effective PTB prevention initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Mini-review of existing literature on PTB prevention strategies.
- Selective focus on areas with recent progress and future potential.
- Analysis of multifaceted approaches including public health, healthcare optimization, and interventions.
Main Results:
- Advances in neonatal care have improved outcomes for preterm infants, but PTB rates remain static.
- Multifaceted prevention strategies are essential, encompassing public health, lifestyle, healthcare access, diagnostics, and interventions.
- Progress has been made in some prevention areas, but controversies and uncertainties persist.
Conclusions:
- Successful preterm birth prevention requires a comprehensive, multifaceted approach.
- Continued research and implementation of targeted interventions are vital for reducing PTB.
- Exciting opportunities exist for further development and application of PTB prevention strategies.
Abstract:
Preterm birth (PTB) remains a major obstetric healthcare problem and a significant contributor to perinatal morbidity, mortality, and long-term disability. Over the past few decades, the perinatal outcomes of preterm neonates have improved markedly through research and advances in neonatal care, whereas rates of spontaneous PTB have essentially remained static. However, research into causal pathways and new diagnostic and treatment modalities is now bearing fruit and translational initiatives are beginning to impact upon PTB rates. Successful PTB prevention requires a multifaceted approach, combining public health and educational programs, lifestyle modification, access to/optimisation of obstetric healthcare, effective prediction and diagnostic modalities, and the application of effective, targeted interventions. Progress has been made in some of these areas, although there remain areas of controversy and uncertainty. Attention is now being directed to areas where greater gains can be achieved. In this mini-review, we will briefly and selectively review a range of PTB prevention strategies and initiatives where progress has been made and where exciting opportunities await exploitation, evaluation, and implementation.
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