BUMP- Blood pressure and metabolic control in pregnancy

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Pilot multiparametric MR study of cardiac assessments in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes

  • IRAS ID

    263316

  • Contact name

    Eylem Levelt

  • Contact email

    e.levelt@leeds.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Leeds

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 5 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    During pregnancy, heart and circulatory system is extensively modified. Preeclampsia(PE) and gestational diabetes(GDM) are the common pregnancy complications. PE is a syndrome associated with onset of hypertension and protein in urine. It is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal deaths. GDM is defined as glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Women with a history of PE and GDM compared to uncomplicated pregnancies are at increased risk for heart and circulatory disease later in life, which led to appreciation of PE and GDM as novel gender specific risk markers. Women with PE have a 3.7 times higher risk of later hypertension, 2.2 times increased risk of coronary heart disease, and 1.8 times higher risk of stroke. Women with a history of GDM had a 60% greater risk of developing heart and circulatoryr disease during follow up. The precise etiology of PE and GDM remains unclear. It is vital to understand the causes of PE and GD, to have better strategies to prevent heart and circulatory diseases in patients with PE and GDM history.
    Altered energy metabolism in the heart may play a central role in the development of heart disease. Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (MRS) allows us to better understand metabolism in heart disease, without the need for contrast or exposure to radiation. Cardiovascular MR (CMR) is a non-invasive imaging technique capable of assessing function, oedema/inflammation and scarring of the heart. When combined with MRS, CMR imaging enables better understanding of the mechanisms of heart disease. The main aim of this study is to better understand pathophysiology of these common pregnancy complications by utilising these MR techniques.

  • REC name

    North East - York Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/NE/0117

  • Date of REC Opinion

    26 May 2020

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion