The costs of prematurity

• Manuel Rui Garcia Carrapato
• M.J.R. Ferreira
• F.R. Sousa
• Martins A.T.
• I. Monteiro

Abstract

Prematurity represents a major health concern and, in spite of the many technological advances, it is as much a problem for the developing countries as it is for the more affluent parts of the world. Indeed, it is on the increase [1–4].

Preterm labour and deliver is not a single disease, on the contrary, it is a rather complex syndrome with several possible causes which, either in isolation or in association, will concur for the untimely termination of pregnancy. From infection, whether regional or systemic, to unfavourable local uterine conditions, to underlying maternal disorders or pregnancy related conditions, to simply social adversity, many factors have been identified and will weigh differently depending on the different areas of the globe [4–14]. For instances, while in the less developed countries lack of medical care and sanitation, coupled with infections, malnutrition and so forth, may play a significant role, conversely, in the better off countries, advanced maternal age, assisted reproduction techniques (ART) and the injudicious use of sophisticated tools may, increasingly, become a significant contributor [9, 15, 16]. However, over a third of all cases of preterm birth, remain of unknown causes.

In this paper we will consider prematurity as a whole, from the medical point of view to the ethical considerations and the emotional toll; to the economical implications, whether from the allocation of financial and human resources to the iniquities of social opportunities and, equally important, what should and (perhaps) should not be done.

Editorial office of journal «Obstetrics and gynecology: news, views, education» No. 1, 2014 expresses gratitude to authors for permission of the publication.

Keywords:prematurity, economical implications, ethics