Duke study: Preemies face risks as they grow up

CHICAGO (AP) — Research led by Duke University into the long-term consequences of premature birth finds that children born early have higher death rates in childhood and are more likely to be childless in adulthood.

The research is considered significant by experts because it followed 1.2 million Norwegian births over decades. It also raises questions about future risks for even tinier babies saved today by modern medicine.

New drugs and therapies first used widely in the 1990s now save smaller and sicker babies. Experts say the babies in the study may have been healthier, on average, than children born premature in recent years.

Most preemies grow up to have good health and normal reproduction, but the researchers found heightened risks compared with babies born at full term from 1967 to 1988. The findings add
to known consequences of prematurity such as lung problems, disabilities, mental retardation and school delays.

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