Preterm birth: avenues for future study

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.