File No: 5/7/1232/2014-RCH

OPA: 38274
Division of RCH

Interventions for Prevention of Prematurity

Prematurity is responsible for 35% of neonatal deaths (Liu et al, Lancet 2012), an estimated one million
neonatal deaths annually and is also an important contributor to
child and adult morbidities. Globally,
every 10th baby is born preterm and India contributes to a quarter of all preterm burden. It is a major risk
for mortality and morbidity. Those who survive without proper intervention end up having long-term
disabilities. A higher risk of adult chronic disease in those born preterm also leads to a major problem.
Complications from preterm births are the leading cause of neonatal mortality. The recently launched
India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) program by MOHFW has included antenatal corticosteroids for
prevention of respiratory distress
syndrome in prematurely born infants. Antibiotics for premature
rupture of
membranes have also been included in the program. However, further research efforts are
needed to better understand context-specific mechanisms leading to preterm birth; survival of neonates
born prematurely.
Globally, there are research leads pointing towards ways to prevent contractions that begin the labour
process, anti-inflammatory agents useful in protecting the fetus from the adverse effects of infectioninduced preterm birth (Epi-lipoxin), antimicrobial peptides (Cathelicidin) important in the pathophysiology of preterm rupture of the fetal membranes and spontaneous preterm labour. Corticotrophinreleasing hormone (CRH) has been strongly implicated in the initiation of labour. Antagonists of CRH
need to be investigated as therapeutic agents to prevent preterm labour. The Kv7 subclass of potassium
channel activators can profoundly inhibit uterine contractions in vitro. Role of supplements such as
Vitamin D and amino acids available as medical foods needs to be investigated. Additionally use of
Arabian pessaries has been suggested for prevention of preterm birth.
It is proposed to further research initiatives through a call for proposals addressing intervention strategies
for prevention of prematurity on the ICMR website. This initiative focused on development of preventive
and management interventions of premature newborns would suggest pathways for improved newborn
survival.
To address the issues of prevention and management of Prematurity,ICMR
Proposals in the following priority areas:

invites Concept

Effective Interventions for prediction or prevention of preterm birth? (Fetal Fibronetin,

Progesterone based screening tests, their indigenous innovations).
Role of medical foods in prevention of prematurity
Prevention of infection in preterm babies such as necrotising enterocolitis
Treatment for lung damage in premature babies
Components of packages for care and support of parents and families of premature infants

Optimum milk feeding strategy and guidance (including quantity and speed of feeding and use of donor
and formula milk) of premature babies. Effective support for improving breastfeeding in premature infants.

Role of emotional and practical support on improvement of attachment and bonding,

Effective treatments for preterm premature rupture of membranes
Effective treatment interventions for necrotising entercolitis in premature infants
Effect of optimal environment (such as light and noise) on outcomes for premature babies.
Effect of early intervention on survival and development in preterm infants.

Instructions for applicants:

Interested researchers should avail the Online Submission of Extramural Research Projects facility
available at the ICMR website (http://www.icmr.nic.in/).They would need to register themselves with the
online submission system. Complete guidelines for the same have been provided in the website
(http://icmrextramural.in/); the same should strictly be followed.

Only Concept Proposals should be submitted as per the Pre-Proposal Submission Format guidelines
available at (http://icmrextramural.in/).
Investigators should select Broad Areas as well as Discipline Child Health for submission of Concept
Proposals.
The Investigator should select Dr. Anju Sinha as Programme Officer.
The last date for submission of Concept proposals is 30th March 2015. The investigators shall be intimated
about the Councils decision within one month from the last date of submission, and further necessary
action required.
In case of further questions contact:
Dr. Anju Sinha, ScientistD,
Division of RCH (email: apradhandr@gmail.com)
Indian Council of Medical Research,
Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029