Álvarez Serra, Javier AmadeoBalaguer Santamaría, AlbertIriondo Sanz, MartínMartín Ancel, AnaGómez Roig, Ma. DoloresIglesias Platas, IsabelKrauel, Xavier2025-10-232025-10-232009-08-261695-4033https://hdl.handle.net/2445/223861The etiology of preterm birth is difficult to classify. It is usually divided into three clinical types according to its clinical presentation: medically indicated; caused by ruptured membranes; and spontaneous or idiopathic. However, this classification is controversial, imprecise and can result in multiple interpretations when applied. OBJECTIVE: To design an etiologically based classification of preterm birth, and to design a system to easily assign each case during the perinatal period. METHODS: Review of literature, qualitative analysis using consensus methods through nominal group technique, and quantitative analysis of a pilot study using a first version of the algorithm. RESULTS: A classification is made to establish a general division between the 'primary cause' and 'associated causes' of preterm birth, that allows remote causes or risk factors to be included. The primary cause includes seven categories: inflammatory (ruptured membranes and related); vascular (intrauterine growth restriction and related); maternal-local; maternal-systemic; fetal pathology; fetal distress; idiopathic. The medically indicated preterm birth is defined as a previous or independent category and so is compatible with the other, previously mentioned causes . An algorithm was designed to make it easier to classify the primary cause of preterm birth using a flowchart. CONCLUSIONS: A pragmatic classification of preterm birth is proposed that may help to achieve better precision and agreement between clinicians.7 p.application/pdfspa(c) Asociación Española de Pediatría, 2009Investigació qualitativaPerinatologiaNeonatologiaEtiologiaQualitative researchPerinatologyNeonatologyEtiologyinfo:eu-repo/semantics/article6544792025-10-23info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess