Transcriptome profile of the human placenta: in search of maternal and fetal genetic factors associated with preterm birth. Ghent University
Preterm birth is defined as childbirth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. It is the
leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, leading to high costs in care and long-term disability. It accounts for 5-12 % of all live births worldwide. Multiple factors, both endogenous and exogenous to the mother seem to play a role. Genetic factors appear to be involved, as apparent from disparities between racial groups and on familial ...