Preterm birth associated with higher risk of death in early
childhood, young adulthood In a study that included more than
600,000 individuals born in Sweden between 1973-1979, those born
preterm (less than 37 weeks gestation) had a higher risk of
death during early childhood and young adulthood than persons
born at term, according to a study in the September 21 issue of
JAMA. Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal
(pertaining to the period immediately before and after birth)
illness and death in developed countries. "Although the early
effects of preterm birth are well documented, less is known
about the longer-term outcomes in adulthood. These outcomes have
a growing clinical and public health importance because of the
high prevalence of preterm birth and improved early survival,"
the authors write. In the past 3 decades, the prevalence of
preterm birth in the United States has increased to more than 12
percent. "As a result, large numbers of individuals who were
born preterm are now surviving to ad