Causes and Consequences of Preterm Birth, A Systematic Review: Causes and Consequences of PTB

Javeria  Malik; Usama  Atiq; Muhammad  Hassan Naveed; Shaaf  Ahmad; Husna  Ahmad; Nabila  Roohi

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v3i07.193

Authors

Javeria Malik Institute of Zoology, University of The Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Usama Atiq Combined Military Hospital and Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Hassan Naveed King Edward Medical University and Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Shaaf Ahmad King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Husna Ahmad Institute of Zoology, University of The Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Nabila Roohi Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v3i07.193

Keywords:

Preterm Birth, Risk Factors, Gestational Age, Neurodevelopmental Abnormalities, COVID-19

Abstract

To systematically review the potential causes and possible effects of preterm birth [<37 weeks gestational duration]. We searched PubMed, google scholar, clinicaltrials.gov and science direct for English language articles published from 2004 to march 2021. All kinds of study schemes were considered acceptable, comprising case –control, cohort studies, experimental and cross- sectional studies. Significant evidences indicate that social stress, elevated cadmium exposure, genomic variations, vitamin D deficiency, pre-conception hepatitis B infection, declined vaginal microbial community, intrauterine infection, reduction in cervical consistency index, strong exposure of creatinine corrected thallium, systemic autoimmune diseases, ozone, primary traffic air pollutants, road traffic noise, potential exposure of arsenic, HIV exposure, maternal thyroid dysfunction, maternal plasma protein level and COVID-19 exposure in pregnant females are the major risk factors for PTBs. Results of earlier investigations indicated prominent risk of insulin resistance, hypertension, neurological defects, heart failure, Chronic kidney disease, Lung function impairment, lower birth weight, thalamocortical system defects, cancer, altered cardiac phenotype and cardio metabolic diseases in survivors of preterm births. This review will help clinicians to isolate the fundamental etiology and to proactively identify, cope and improve outcomes of at-risk pregnancies.

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