Preventing Spontaneous Preterm Birth: Insights from Genomics

Abstract

Mortality and morbidity due to infants being born preterm remains one of the greatest health burdens facing society. Many factors influence the risk for spontaneous preterm birth, both genetic and environmental. To date, generally effective interventions to prevent preterm birth have not been identified. In this paper, we discuss the impact of preterm birth and the challenges that have limited insights so far. New advances in genomics, systems biology, and population/personalized medicine show promise in overcoming previous barriers and leading to new insights and preventive treatments.