Abstract
Preterm birth (or birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation) is on the increase. However, very little evidence is currently available regarding its etiology, pathophysiology, screening and management strategies. Genetic epidemiologic studies to identify genes associated with preterm birth and identification of biomarkers that can be used in conjunction with advanced ultrasound screening techniques to find high-risk cases form the basis of future research into preterm birth. Based on findings from these studies, primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies can be devised and tested by means of multicenter randomized controlled trials.
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Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.