Every year around 10-12 % of all infants in Europe and the USA are born prematurely which results in 950000 preterm infants per year (500000 in Europe and 450000 in USA). Direct complications of preterm birth account for one million deaths each year worldwide, and preterm birth is a risk factor in over 50% of all neonatal deaths. In addition, preterm birth can result in a range of long-term complications in survivors, with the frequency and severity of adverse outcomes rising with decreasing gestational age and decreasing quality of care. The annual costs, beside patient suffering and parental emotional stress, of preterm care in USA amounts to 26,2 billion United States dollar in terms of immediate neonatal intensive care, subsequent long-term complex health care needs, as well as lost economic productivity.