An evaluation of genetics and epigenetics in the aetiology of IUGR 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of the role of genetics and epigenetics in the aetiology of intrauterine growth restriction
IRAS ID
121954
Contact name
Gudrun E Moore
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Institute of Child Health
Research summary
If a baby is born smaller than usual for the length of the pregnancy this may affect the child’s growth for many years afterwards, sometimes leading to a smaller adult size than would otherwise expected. When the appearance of the baby is very small, it is called intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In some situations babies that have IUGR also have Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS).
IUGR is the second leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity and it affects approximately 7% of pregnancies in developed countries. SRS is characterised by IUGR and poor postnatal growth with various other symptoms. It is estimated to be present in 1 in 7,000 births and SRS patients often suffer from feeding problems and IUGR-related conditions in early childhood.
At present the majority of the causes of this condition are not known. We have no way of preventing IUGR and no very good way of treating the poor growth. In order to eventually achieve prevention or treatment we need to understand the cause of the problem. This study is aimed at increasing our understanding of the poor growth of the babies.
We will collect blood and/or cheek swab and/or saliva samples from the fully consented participants, from which DNA, RNA and protein will be extracted for the analysis in search for genes important in development of this condition.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1574
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion