Prematurity, Preterm-Born Adults, and Long-Term Effects on Children and Adults

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in neonatal care have led to improved survival of premature infants with a concurrent increase in the incidence of preterm birth across the world. The spectrum of preterm infants extending from extremes of gestational age to the late preterm infant is at higher risk of adverse short-term and long-term outcomes. Some of these problems may not show up for considerable periods, even into adulthood. Management of short-term outcomes such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is further challenged by a broad spectrum of related long-term morbidities and neurodevelopmental issues in these infants.

Adults born preterm are at higher risk of neurobehavioral and adult-onset morbidities compared to term infants. The Special Issue will address problems relating to prematurity as infants grow into adults. Cardiorespiratory morbidity such as BPD, asthma, lung function, and pulmonary hypertension, organ-specific health issues (poor feeding, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and renal morbidities), or outcomes relating to neurodevelopment are of interest. Caffeine, oxygen, nutrition, and other factors that influence the growth and development of preterm infants are considered. Newer strategies, including machine learning and unique approaches such as bridging pediatric and adult programs to address research gaps in longitudinal assessment and management of premature infants, contributing to improved survival and long-term outcomes as they grow into adults, are of interest.

We welcome articles from across the globe on all matters relating to prematurity and long-term health to better the lives of these infants. Both reviews and original research will be considered for publication. The authors are welcome to contact the editor directly at vkumar3@buffalo.edu for questions or clarifications.

Prof. Vasanth H.S. Kumar
Guest Editor

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