New research underscores the enduring health risks faced by individuals born prematurely, highlighting an elevated risk of early death that persists well into their 30s. The study, led by Dr. Asma Ahmed, an assistant professor of epidemiology and prevention at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, emphasizes the need for preventative strategies and long-term care to mitigate these risks.

"Understanding the long-term effects of preterm birth can help us develop preventative strategies and identify interventions to improve the health of individuals who are born preterm," Dr. Ahmed stated in a press release from Wake Forest University.

Globally, approximately 1 in 10 births occurs preterm, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm birth is already the leading cause of infant mortality and the second-leading cause of death among children under five. While many preterm babies survive into adulthood, the study reveals an unsettling trend: they face a higher risk of premature death that extends well beyond infancy.

Alarming Long-Term Mortality Risk

The study analyzed nearly 5 million live births in Canada between 1983 and 1996, of which 6.9% were preterm. The research tracked these individuals for up to 36 years, revealing a consistent link between preterm birth and increased mortality risk across all age groups up to 36 years old.

Dr. Ahmed's team found that the risk was most pronounced in early childhood, including the infancy period (0–11 months) and ages 1–5 years. Notably, those born at extremely low gestational ages (before 28 weeks) faced the highest risk of early death.

The causes of death spanned a range of medical issues, including respiratory, circulatory, and digestive disorders, as well as diseases of the nervous and endocrine systems, infections, cancers, and birth defects.

"These findings suggest that preterm birth should be recognized as a significant risk factor for mortality," Dr. Ahmed explained. "The risk remains until the third and fourth decades of life."

Call for Comprehensive Care

Dr. Ahmed stressed the importance of both immediate clinical care for newborns and sustained long-term care to address the risks associated with preterm birth. She also called for further research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where preterm birth rates are highest, to better understand and address the global implications of the findings.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, serves as a call to action for healthcare systems worldwide to prioritize the needs of individuals born preterm. By recognizing the lifelong risks they face, health professionals and policymakers can work towards strategies that enhance their quality of life and longevity.