The March of Dimes Scientific Advisory Committee on Prematurity has recommended a targeted research agenda designed to save and improve the lives of thousands of babies by preventing premature birth. The committee is made up of experts from across the nation in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, women's health, reproductive biology, nursing and public health.

The six priority areas for research are as follows:

• New epidemiological studies to identify common risk factors among women who have had a premature birth
• The role of genes and the interaction of genes with lifestyle factors such as smoking
• Studies to determine why African-Americans and other groups have higher rates of preterm birth
• The role of infections and how the body responds to infections
• The role that stress may play in early deliveries
• Clinical trials to assess new potential treatments

The March of Dimes is actively funding research grants in these six areas and urging the federal government to fund similar projects.

Reference
Green, N.S. Research Agenda for Preterm Birth: Recommendations from the March of Dimes. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, volume 193, number 3, September 2005, pages 626-635.

July 2009