During the last several decades, the number of preterm infants has increased, and their survival rate has improved owing to advances in perinatal care. As more preterm infants survive, many studies examine their neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study aimed to summarize the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants according to gestational age at birth using a recently published meta-analysis. The prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairment and behavioral disorders decreased as gestational age and birth weight increased. Recent studies reported that proactive neonatal treatment of periviable preterm infants (gestational age, 22–24 weeks) could improve their prognosis. Moderate and late preterm infants reportedly have less severe disease than very preterm infants; nonetheless, they still experience adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to term infants. Neonatal morbidities such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity are associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Despite improvements in neonatal care, prematurity is still associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. To ensure timely intervention, the establishment of a follow-up system for premature infants is necessary.

Kim HE, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2019 Jan;34(4):e34. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e34

Song IG, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2018 Feb;33(6):e43. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e43

Air pollution has become a global concern due to its association with numerous health effects. We aimed to assess associations between birth outcomes in Korea, such as preterm births and birth weight in term infants, and particulate matter < 10 µm (PM₁₀). Records from 1,742,183 single births in 2010–2013 were evaluated. Mean PM₁₀ concentrations during pregnancy were calculated and matched to birth data by registered regions. We analyzed the frequency of birth outcomes between groups using WHO criteria for PM₁₀ concentrations with effect sizes estimated using multivariate logistic regression. Women exposed to PM₁₀ > 70 µg/m³ during pregnancy had a higher rate of preterm births than women exposed to PM₁₀ ≤ 70 µg/m³ (7.4% vs. 4.7%, P < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.570; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.487–1.656). The rate of low birth weight in term infants increased when women were exposed to PM₁₀ > 70 µg/m³ (1.9% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.278), but this difference was not statistically significant (aOR 1.060, 95% CI: 0.953–1.178). In conclusion, PM₁₀ exposure > 70 µg/m³ was associated with preterm births. Further studies are needed to explore the pathophysiologic mechanisms and guide policy development to prevent future adverse effects on birth outcomes.

Kim ES, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2021 Sep;36(39):e260. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e260