Long-term survival and reproduction in preterm infants

Abstract

The rate of preterm birth is increasing in developed countries. Improvements in neonatal intensive care have decreased the rate of infant mortality after preterm birth, particularly for those born at the earliest gestational ages. However, the result is an increasing absolute number of preterm birth survivors who suffer from disabilities such as neurosensory, respiratory and cognitive impairments. Evidence is also accumulating demonstrating that these survivors may be at increased risk for mortality, even into later childhood, and that they may face challenges transitioning into adulthood, such as a decreased likelihood of reproduction.