Global burden of prematurity.

The global burden of preterm birth (PTB) includes the morbidity and mortality of babies born before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Prematurity has been the leading worldwide cause of neonatal mortality for at least a decade, but has now also become the leading cause of childhood mortality through age five years. Globally, each year, 15 million babies are born preterm, which is estimated to be about 11% of all deliveries. Preterm birth appears to be increasing in most countries. This review will address the epidemiology, rates, and etiology of PTB around the globe as well as survival by gestational age and interventions and preventative measures known to improve outcomes in high-burden countries.