World Prematurity Day

World Prematurity Day on 17 November is an important time to raise awareness of the challenges and burden of preterm birth globally.

Annually, more than 15 million preterm infants are delivered which accounts for 10% of the total newborn infants globally. Preterm delivery accounts for more than 75% of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Furthermore, those infants who do survive have higher rates of long-term morbidities, including cardiovascular diseases as well as neurologic and developmental disabilities, compared to infants born full term.

Known maternal risk factors for preterm birth in the general population include a previous premature birth, twin pregnancy, an interval of less than six months between pregnancies, history of multiple miscarriages or abortions, smoking cigarettes or using illicit drugs, cardio-metabolic diseases such as hypertension or diabetes, and infections, particularly of the amniotic fluid and lower genital tract.

Conceiving through in vitro fertilization represents another risk factor in a subgroup of women undergoing assisted reproduction technologies (ART). The risk factors increasing the likelihood for preterm birth in this particular population are, however not well understood.

According to previous studies, several possible factors such as embryo culture medium, in vitro culture as well as embryo cryopreservation, might be related to preterm in couples treating with ART. Meanwhile, studies also showed that singleton pregnancies after transfer of frozen thawed embryos  through ART were associated with a lower risk of  prematurity.

Under the guidance of Dr Yashodhara Mhatre (MBBS, MD, DGO; Founder, Fertility Director at Zoi Fertility & Surrogacy India), Medical Learning Hub (MLH) and Apollo Hospitals (Navi Mumbai) are organising a medical conference to update healthcare professionals of innovations and latest clinical developments in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) during 2022. The conference brings more than 30 experts form the globe to talk on topics of IVF, stimulation protocols, fertility boosting procedures and high-risk pregnancies in ART. A wide range of subjects will be discussed including surgical sperm retrieval, IUI and IVF preparation, DNA fragmentation, premature ovarian insufficiency, common IVF complications, outcomes of screening high-risk pregnancies in IVF cases, surrogacy in India (legal and ethical issues), current practices and controversies in assisted reproduction, obstetric and neonatal difficulties connected with ART among others.

If you are a healthcare provider seeking to update your skills or knowledge in ART, we look forward to meeting you online for a simulating learning experience on the Medical Learning Hub (MLH). Please note that registration is mandatory: https://medicallearninghub.com/course/clinical-updates-whats-new-in-art-2022