Review

Long-term consequences of prematurity

Cristina I. Pravia, MD and Merline Benny, MD
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine December 2020, 87 (12) 759-767; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.87a.19108

ABSTRACT

Due to a shortened period of in utero organ development, premature infants are at higher risk of chronic respiratory, cardiac, renal, and endocrine system disorders later in life. With more premature babies being born and more of them surviving, internists and primary care practitioners should be aware of their patient’s birth history and of the potential long-term effects of prematurity. Such understanding can lead to early detection of disease and targeted lifestyle modifications.

Footnotes

  • The authors report no relevant financial relationships which, in the context of their contributions, could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest.

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