Preterm delivery: risks versus benefits of intervention.
The objective of this report is to examine the evidence that supports obstetric intervention to prevent preterm birth and to assess the associated neonatal outcomes. The different causes of preterm birth are identified and reviewed. The evidence to support obstetric intervention is examined, and the current protocols for therapy are listed. An example of institutional data review is outlined and includes common neonatal morbidities with comparison to an international data set. This type of review allows clinicians to establish recommendations for obstetric intervention based on neonatal outcome.
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest Boulevard and Route 1-78, Allentown, PA 18105-1556, USA. P8570@LVH.com
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012307:Risk Factors