title: Early births and congenital birth defects: a complex interaction.
abstract: Congenital birth defects and early/premature birth are common complex conditions affecting populations throughout the world, the interaction of which accounts for a significant proportion of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The relationship between these two conditions is not well understood. Several congenital birth defects can directly lead to early delivery. In addition, certain fetal conditions may necessitate early or premature delivery, several of which are also associated with maternal conditions necessitating early birth. Further understanding of both the incidences and causes of congenital birth defects and of early and premature birth will facilitate establishment of strategies to improve neonatal mortality and morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, University of Virginia, Box 800386, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Swanson
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Sinkin
mesh_terms: D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D054238:Perinatal Mortality; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics
keywords: Birth defects; Early birth; Maternal health; Neonate; Prematurity