Preterm birth—when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy—is one of the leading causes of newborn illness and death around the world. In fact, more than 25% of all preterm births happen in sub-Saharan Africa. 
As more babies survive thanks to better care, researchers are now asking a new question: What happens to the health of these babies—and their mothers—later in life?
In high-income countries, studies have shown that preterm birth can raise the risk of serious health problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. But we still don’t know much about these risks in low- and middle-income countries, where most deaths from heart disease occur.
Our research team at the University of Washington is working to change that. With support from the UW School of Nursing Research Intramural Funding program, we’re studying how preterm birth might be linked to early signs of heart disease in mothers and infants in Kenya. We’re focusing on two key biomarkers: telomere length and C-reactive protein (CRP). Telomeres are tiny protective caps on the ends of our DNA that get shorter as we age. CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body. Both are connected to heart health and may help explain how early life stress affects long-term wellness.
To explore these questions, we’re using dried blood spots—small samples collected from a simple finger prick—from over 4,000 mother–infant pairs in an ongoing study in Kenya. For this pilot project, we’re analyzing samples from 50 mother-infant pairs (25 preterm, 25 full-term) at six weeks postpartum. Our lab partners at the UW Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology will measure telomere length and CRP using advanced testing methods designed for these small samples.
Our goals are simple but important: First, we want to describe telomere length and CRP levels in Kenyan mothers and babies. Second, we want to see if these levels are different in families who experienced preterm birth. We believe that preterm birth may be linked to shorter telomeres and higher CRP—signs of more inflammation and faster biological aging.
This study is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa. It brings together experts in heart health, global maternal-child health, and epidemiology from the UW School of Nursing and the CSDE. The results will help us build a stronger case for future research—and ultimately, better care for families affected by preterm birth.
Lab testing begins soon, and we’re excited to see what the data reveal. Tiny beginnings can raise big questions, and we’re committed to finding answers that matter.