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Published on: November 20, 2015
Adult outcomes after preterm birth
1Neonatal Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK emily.prior05@imperial.ac.uk.
Insights
Extremely preterm birth impacts long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health, potentially accelerating aging. This review explores the lifelong health risks and underlying mechanisms for preterm survivors.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Medicine
- Developmental Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Extremely preterm birth disrupts the third trimester environment.
- Preterm birth is associated with adverse cardiovascular and metabolic health in young adulthood.
- Molecular evidence suggests accelerated aging in preterm survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the lifetime effects of preterm birth.
- To highlight health risks faced by preterm survivors.
- To explore potential underlying mechanisms for observed health profiles.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent evidence.
- Synthesis of findings on cardiovascular and metabolic health.
- Analysis of molecular markers of aging.
Main Results:
- Young adults born preterm exhibit poorer cardiovascular and metabolic health.
- Molecular data indicates accelerated aging processes.
- Reduced life expectancy is a concern for preterm survivors.
Conclusions:
- Preterm birth has significant, long-lasting health consequences.
- Accelerated aging may contribute to the adverse health profile.
- Further research is needed to elucidate underlying mechanisms and mitigate risks.
Abstract:
Extremely preterm birth reflects global disruption of the third trimester environment. Young adults born preterm have an adverse cardiovascular and metabolic health profile, together with molecular evidence of accelerated ageing and a reduced life expectancy. The underlying mechanism for these observations is unknown. This review summarises recent evidence of the lifetime effects of preterm birth and highlights the risks survivors face.
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