Dialogues on Preterm Birth - Causes and Consequences, Prevention and Mitigation

Globally, 15 million babies are born preterm annually, of which about a million die. Preterm babies that survive are at high risk of long term disabilities ranging from developmental, neurocognitive, respiratory to gastroenterological problems. Although the severity of sequelae is higher the earlier the gestational age at birth, even late preterm births are associated with learning deficits and relatively poorer performance at school. It is a truly global health challenge but with a high disease burden in low and middle income countries, both in terms of the prevalence rates as well as the sheer numbers of cases affected. Preterm birth may occur spontaneously or associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes, or in fact may be physician-indicated (iatrogenic). The syndrome of spontaneous and idiopathic preterm birth is associated with a range of underlying predispositions and mechanisms. The multiple aetiological associations pose challenges for the prediction, prevention as well as the mitigation of preterm birth and inform current research across the domains of discovery, development and delivery. This research topic section aims to detail current research into global preterm birth science and practice, including the global social contexts that influence its causes and consequences.

The aim of this Research Topic is to provide a forum for sharing new research information and ideas about preterm birth and its impact on the quality of life of mothers, fathers, families, and society. Research papers addressing the science and clinical burden of disease, its prevention and management are also encouraged. Preterm birth, being a condition with multiple and varied causes and consequences, lends itself to multidisciplinary discourse. Being a global health care problem, submissions that have a global perspective or applicability are particularly encouraged, including exploring the different cultural, social, economic and health systems circumstances that influence preterm birth.
This Research Topic welcomes a diversity of submissions that enhance our understanding and knowledge in this area from authors working in an international context, including but not exclusively: Original Research, Systematic and Narrative Reviews, Data Reports, Study Protocols, Community Case Studies, Case Reports, Theoretical perspectives and Opinions.

Topics of particular interest include:

• Lived experience of preterm birth and its impact upon quality of life as a result of diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, access to healthcare, social support, family and relationship dynamics.
• Cross cultural research perspectives of preterm birth
• Preterm birth and quality of life in low- and middle-income countries
• The biology and pathology of preterm birth
• The economic impact of preterm birth on children as well as families including work and education.
• The impact of health inequalities, vulnerable and marginalised communities on preterm birth
• Healthcare professionals experience of caring for adolescent girls and women with endometriosis


We would like to acknowledge Dr. Bronwen Gillespie, who has acted as coordinator and has contributed to the preparation of the proposal for this Research Topic.