The researchers, from the University of Leicester, followed the progress of almost 7,500 pre-term infants born between 1998 and 2007. All the babies were given a 'deprivation' level based on their mothers' postcodes. The study found nearly two times the number of deaths due to pre-term birth in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived.
A 'pre-term' infant is one with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks. A 2006 BMJ study found that the number of babies not carried to term was increasing in England and Wales, and that these infants accounted for most newborn intensive care admissions – and three-quarters of newborn deaths.
Despite this geographical disparity at birth, the University of Leicester study found that neonatal care was of a similar quality, regardless of postcode. This is in contrast to many other health indicators, which suggest a substantial variation in healthcare quality across the country.
However, the larger applicability of the findings is questionable. The study's data was gathered from babies in one English region only, and therefore only accounted for one-twelfth of UK births.
The study calls for further research to be conducted into the link between deprivation and pre-term births. If the reasons behind the relationship can be established, then action could be taken that might have a substantial impact on the country's pre-term birth rate.
The researchers conclude that this action could significantly lower healthcare costs – both of immediate neonatal care, as well as those relating to the 'long term health problems suffered by some of these babies'.
A 'pre-term' infant is one with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks. A 2006 BMJ study found that the number of babies not carried to term was increasing in England and Wales, and that these infants accounted for most newborn intensive care admissions – and three-quarters of newborn deaths.
Despite this geographical disparity at birth, the University of Leicester study found that neonatal care was of a similar quality, regardless of postcode. This is in contrast to many other health indicators, which suggest a substantial variation in healthcare quality across the country.
However, the larger applicability of the findings is questionable. The study's data was gathered from babies in one English region only, and therefore only accounted for one-twelfth of UK births.
The study calls for further research to be conducted into the link between deprivation and pre-term births. If the reasons behind the relationship can be established, then action could be taken that might have a substantial impact on the country's pre-term birth rate.
The researchers conclude that this action could significantly lower healthcare costs – both of immediate neonatal care, as well as those relating to the 'long term health problems suffered by some of these babies'.
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