Preterm birth as a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases in the northern Netherlands: a retrospective cohort study

Preterm birth shortens the in-utero organ developmental period resulting in increased risk of chronic respiratory, cardiac, renal and endocrine disorders later in life. Survival rates of preterm babies are increasing due to technological advancements which increases the importance of understanding the long-term health consequences. Noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are the leading causes of death among adults, with major lifestyle related risk factors. Understanding the association between preterm birth and noncommunicable diseases can lead to targeted lifestyle modifications and earlier detection. This study will investigate the association between preterm birth and noncommunicable diseases within the LifeLines cohort.