Perinatal Markers of Neonatal Outcome
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Perinatal Markers of Neonatal Outcome
IRAS ID
54174
Contact name
Gusztav Belteki
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust & University of Cambridge
Research summary
We have identified at least one possible antioxidant factor which may have useful predictive and treatment potential in the preterm infant. We now wish to determine whether the incidence of lung, bowel, brain and eye complications frequently experienced by preterm babies vary in relation to levels of this factor paraoxonase 3 (Pon3) and potentially other as yet unidentified factors in cord blood. We will do this through analysis of cord blood from term and preterm pregnancies. A number of samples will also be obtained in addition to cord blood. We will analyse fetal membranes, the umbilical cord and placental samples to assess for evidence of infection and inflammation. We also plan to test for genetic variants and other factors controlling Pon3 production. In addition to analysis of Pon 3 in the samples obtained we also wish to build up a biobank of samples from pregnancies of varying gestational ages including normal pregnancies as well as those affected by a wide range of antenatal problems to allow comparison of normal gestational age related development to the abnormal development seen in various different disease conditions. Possible benefits of this research include defining levels of PON3 and other fectors and their association with gestational age and complications of prematurity and thereby helping to define the role of this antioxidant protein in reducing the disabilities and death associated with preterm birth. Additional benefits from a biobank of samples would be rapid analysis of future potential predictive or therapeutic agents as animal research provides further possible target genes and their products. \n
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EE/0163
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jul 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion