Prevention of preterm birth: harnessing science to address the global epidemic.
Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide, but current interventions to prevent prematurity are largely ineffective. Preterm birth is increasingly recognized as an outcome that can result from a variety of pathological processes. Despite current research efforts, the mechanisms underlying these processes remain poorly understood and are influenced by a range of biological and environmental factors. Research with modern techniques is needed to understand the mechanisms responsible for preterm labor and birth and identify targets for diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. This review evaluates the state of reproductive science relevant to understanding the causes of preterm birth, identifies potential targets for prevention, and outlines challenges and opportunities for translating research findings into effective interventions.
Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98101, USA. craig.rubens@seattlechildrens.org.
Craig E
CE
Rubens
Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Yoel
Y
Sadovsky
Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Institute, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
Louis
L
Muglia
Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98101, USA. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Michael G
MG
Gravett
Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
Eve
E
Lackritz
Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
Courtney
C
Gravett
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D051379:Mice; D008954:Models, Biological; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010500:Perinatology; D011247:Pregnancy; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D047929:Term Birth; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism