Current concepts on the pathogenesis and markers of preterm births

Preterm births continue to be a major problem in obstetrics, contributing t o the majority of mortality and nearly half of the long-term morbidity asso ciated with childbirth. Prior efforts to reduce the incidence of preterm bi rths have met with limited success. Improved understanding regarding the po tential mechainvolved with preterm labor, however, has resulted in a variet y of new markers that can identify women at risk of preterm delivery. This article highlights the various mechanisms for preterm births and the promis ing markers for identifying women at risk for preterm delivery.