A baby born prematurely: how it affects health in adulthood

Researchers from the Liggins Institute (Auckland) conducted a study comparing the health outcomes of adults born prematurely (before 37 weeks' gestation) and those born at term.

Source: Walters et al, Health Outcomes 50 Years After Preterm Birth in Participants in a Trial of Antenatal Betamethasone, Pediatrics (2024). DOI: 10.1542/peds.2024-066929

As it turned out, no significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of diabetes mellitus, prediabetes and fat metabolism disorders (dyslipidaemia). Moreover, the group of people born prematurely had even fewer serious cardiovascular complications (e.g. strokes or heart attacks) overall than those born on time.

However, the premature group was more likely to develop high blood pressure (hypertension) by age 50.

Prematurity affects about one in ten newborns worldwide. Past studies have pointed to a link between being born prematurely and an increased risk of a number of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and stroke. But many of those studies included people who grew up in an era of less-than-perfect neonatal care. The Auckland scientists wanted to understand whether the situation had changed for those who were born prematurely and lived to middle age under more modern neonatal care practices.

To do this, the researchers used data from people who had originally participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of beta-methasone for pregnant women. All respondents completed a health questionnaire, and then the scientists analysed a range of health indicators, including the presence of hypertension, diabetes, prediabetes, dyslipidaemia, and major cardiovascular events (e.g. heart attacks and strokes). Respiratory and mental health, education level, and other factors were additionally studied.

It turned out that in the premature group, nearly 35 per cent of people reported high blood pressure, compared with about 20 per cent of those born at term. Meanwhile, severe cardiovascular complications (such as heart attacks) were less common in the premature group (2.8%) compared to the preterm group (6.9%). The frequency of diabetes, pre-diabetes and treatment of fat metabolism problems did not differ between the two groups. Lung and kidney function were also similar.

Moreover, mental disorders, including depression, were less common among the preterm subjects.