Year: 2006
Type: review
Abstract: Over the last 15 years neonatal morbidity and mortality have changed little for very low birth weight (VLBW) babies despite significant technological and therapeutic advances. While clinical trials and animal models have until recently improved outcomes in this gestational age group, further productivity from these traditional sources are not likely. A recent study of monozygotic and dizygotic twins shows that the main determinants of neonatal morbidity and mortality in VLBW babies--bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and intraventricular hemorrhage--have significant genetic components. Incremental improvements in the future, therefore, will likely depend on identification of these genetic components for targeting specific therapies. Cost-effective methods and resources, fueled by the Human Genome and HapMap Projects and recent successes in identifying genes for a small number of complex genetic diseases, are available now and through creative planning and timely implementation would likely yield useful results.
Source: Frontiers in bioscience
DOI: 10.2741/2236
Author: Haiying Meng
Institution: Yale University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1971473797