Global report identifies causes leading to preterm births and stillbirths

Feb 23 2010

More research and attention are urgently needed to understand and reduce the incidence of preterm births and stillbirths worldwide, according to experts from the Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (GAPPS). Writing in the open access journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, the authors call for greater improvements to research and the development of interventions to reduce tragic pregnancy outcomes.

Preterm births and stillbirths continue to have a global impact, even in high-income countries. Globally, 13 million babies are born preterm and 3.2 million are stillborn each year.  Neonatal deaths now account for more than 42 percent of mortality in children under the age of five - a rise from 37 percent in the year 2000.  Preterm birth is the biggest cause of child mortality and those who survive can experience serious short- and long-term health problems. In addition, one million stillbirths occur each year during childbirth that could be prevented with existing interventions.

The 'Global Report on Preterm and Stillbirth' identifies known causes leading to preterm and stillbirth, and recommends the widespread use of recognized, cost-effective interventions to improve these extremely distressing yet under-addressed pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, it outlines the urgent need for increased focus and research to further investigate the magnitude, causes and consequences of preterm birth and stillbirth and speed up the development of diagnostics, treatment and prevention strategies with careful attention to ethical considerations. The report, led by GAPPS, an initiative of Seattle Children's, and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is a collaborative effort undertaken by maternal, newborn and child health experts from around the globe.

 "We can save more lives, but we urgently need more attention and resources to better understand the causes of prematurity and stillbirth and to guide the development of the most effective interventions," said Dr. Craig E. Rubens, executive director of GAPPS. "For the first time ever, experts from around the world have agreed to a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to solving this global tragedy."

"BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth is pleased to present this important report," said Melissa Norton, Editorial Director (Medicine) at BioMed Central. "To date there has not been enough attention given to preterm births and stillbirth, and this report will contribute considerably in reducing the 13 million preterm births and 3.2 million stillbirths worldwide."

Source: Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth