Post-Policy Implementation Review of Rapid Fetal Fibronectin (fFN) Testing for Preterm Labour in Alberta EDITORIAL COMMENT

摘要

Research indicates that worldwide an estimated 13 million infants are born prematurely each year. Preterm delivery, a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity, can be defined as birth prior to 37 weeks' gestation and has accounted for 60% to 80% of perinatal deaths in infants without congenital anomalies and up to 75% of neonatal morbidity. Preterm delivery has been noted to occur in 5% to 15% of all pregnancies. Therefore, the timely diagnosis of preterm labor (PTL) and accurate prediction of preterm delivery are ongoing and important goals for health and detection.