Personalized Medicine for Preventing and Diagnosing Preterm Birth

Dear Colleagues,

Premature birth, defined by the World Health Organization as birth before 37 weeks, is a pressing global health concern that requires the unwavering attention of the medical community. Worldwide, 15 million children are born prematurely, and every year approximately 1 million of them die, underlining the undeniable importance of preventing premature birth. Preterm birth remained the leading contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality globally, accounting for 70% of neonatal deaths. Premature newborns often face a range of health challenges, including respiratory distress syndrome, infections and developmental delays. As a rule the lower the gestational age or birth weight, the greater the risk of short-term complications. By preventing preterm birth, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of these adverse outcomes, giving newborns a healthier start in life. In addition, the importance of prevention extends to the long-term health and developmental trajectory of premature infants, with studies showing a higher risk of chronic conditions such as asthma, cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment. These conditions can have lasting effects on a child's quality of life, requiring ongoing medical care and support. By addressing the root causes of preterm birth, healthcare professionals can mitigate the risk of these future health challenges, promoting healthier lives for these babies.

As we delve deeper into the complexity of this issue, it becomes apparent that preventing preterm birth is critical because it not only protects the health and well-being of infants, but also contributes to building a healthier society in general.

At this moment, there is no consensus on the methods of preventing premature birth. Although personalized medicine could play an essential role in this, taking into account that premature birth arises from a multitude of factors, including genetic predisposition, maternal health conditions, choices of lifestyle, and environmental influences, its prevention must be based on clear and standardized guidelines.

This Special Issue aims to reduce the number of unknowns that still exist in relation to premature births and bring us one step closer to understanding the problem. Additionally, we seek to publish discussions of the integration of personalized medicine into modern solutions.

Dr. Roxana Elena Bohiltea
Guest Editor

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• premature birth
• personalized medicine
• short-term complications
• prevention
• newborns