Surprising Study Finds Possible Culprit in Preterm Births

By Lydia L Shook

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A particular trigger for preterm birth

Preterm birth is a common cause of neonatal death and disability worldwide. It is often triggered by premature rupture of membranes, but in most cases, it is not clear what causes this rupture, and there is no specific way to treat or prevent it. Shook et al. have shed some light on this mystery by identifying mineral-protein complexes called calciprotein particles in the amniotic fluid and fetal membranes from women with this condition. Although it is not yet clear how the particles promote membrane rupture and how this condition can be treated, the findings of this study suggest that it may be possible to interfere with this process through interventions that maintain a normal protein-mineral balance.

Abstract