The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will soon begin research in the field of preterm birth (PTB) which has been identified as the major determinant of early childhood mortality and morbidity and is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality.

The ICMR in this regard has invited research proposals relevant but not limited to the specific research topics pertaining to Preterm Birth such as: Epidemiologic studies including genetic factors, biomarkers of PTB; Behavioral factors, risk factor analysis, epidemiologic overlap between PTB and other adverse birth outcomes; Genes and gene-environment interactions including high-risk phenotypes; Role of inflammatory responses in PTB including micro-organisms, infection, effects of antibiotics, role of the cervix, immune pathways, immune modulation; Clinical trials including drug therapy, infection, abruption and impaired uterine-placental blood flow, multifetal pregnancy, assisted reproductive technologies and risk reduction strategies; and Health care delivery including access, quality of care, cost-benefit analysis.

The ICMR's initiative in this regard is significant as preterm birth (PTB) is the major determinant of early childhood mortality and morbidity and is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality. The severity and incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes inversely correlates with gestational age, especially birth before 32 completed weeks of gestation.

Numerous risk factors for spontaneous PTB have been identified, although accurate prediction and prevention remain elusive. Research on PTB needs to: better define the etiologic mechanisms responsible for PTB; identify biomarkers for prediction of PTB; and develop clinical interventions that lead to reduction in rates of PTB.

The ICMR has clarified that the peer review of the proposals will be based on excellence and will take into consideration the criteria such as: scientific merit/quality of the project; ability of the research teams to carry out the project successfully; impact of research on improving people's health and quality of life, and on reducing the society’s burden of disease; and multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary collaboration.