[Preterm birth: evolution 1994 to 2006].

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the incidence of births before 33 weeks of amenorrhea over a 12-year period and the place of prematurity induced among them. Determine the evolution of various causes of birth prior to that and draw up a detailed inventory.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study from 1994 to 2006, concerning mothers who gave birth in the Network Users Association of computerized records in Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology (AUDIPOG) between 22 and 32+6 days of maternity. A total of 3781 deliveries were included. The statistical significance of links between the degree of prematurity (high prematurity/extreme prematurity) and the type of prematurity (induced/spontaneous) or mode of early work in the event of induced prematurity (trigger/prior cesarean work) was determined. The evolution of different etiologies was also studied with a complete inventory in 2006.

RESULTS

We observed a significant increase in the rate of births before 33 SA: it was multiplied by 3 in 12 years and stood at 1.7% of births in 2006. No increase in prematurity induced was observed, but in case of preterm labor induced the number of births by caesarean section increased significantly. Concerning the evolution of etiologies, vaginal and urinary infections decreased the most, followed by fetal malformations. Only multiple pregnancies increased significantly. The principle cause of preterm birth was hypertension. Prior to 28 SA, premature births were caused by metrorrhagia and infections at greater levels than 28-32 SA.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The growing number of births before 33 SA is a serious phenomenon that must be monitored as they are increasingly common in France.