According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 500,000 babies were born prematurely in 2004, an increase of 2% from the prior year. Thomas Benedetti, MD, author of the feature article (and March of Dimes Prematurity Committee Chair), tells us that half of the cases of preterm birth have no known cause. And the explosion in the use of special fertility techniques in the last twenty years does not explain the persistent high rates of prematurity, even though multiple gestation is a known risk factor.

 

Also in this issue, Kathy Carson, RN, in her editorial, examines research that shows a disturbing relationship between chronic stress, infant health outcomes, and race. Thomas Bruck, DDS, covers the possible link between periodontal disease and increased risk of preterm delivery. And the Region X states report on strategies to prevent preterm births.