Longitudinal Study of Intra-Uterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
University of Colorado, Denver
Summary
The investigation will employ a longitudinal approach in which every fetus diagnosed to be SGA (Small for Gestational Age ) will be studied at frequent intervals with sophisticated imaging techniques to assess subtle physiologic changes in the brain, heart, and placenta over time. These findings will be correlated with neurological and cardiovascular function in the newborn and early childhood. This research initiative should yield diagnostic and therapeutic templates that will improve the quality of life of IUGR babies in addition to providing important information that will better inform current diagnostic practices.
Description
The overarching objective is to serially assess changes in the fetal circulation, heart, and brain with sophisticated ultrasound, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and body composition techniques that will provide clues as to how growth restricted babies will tolerate life outside the uterus. Employing a longitudinal study will allow the investigators to correlate perinatal and postnatal outcomes more comprehensively than previous studies.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–45 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with diagnosed SGA by an ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) of less than the 10th percentile or a fetal abdominal circumference of less than the 5th percentile will be included in the study at the time of their first examination. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients \< 18 years of age, and chromosomal anomalies as identified by regular aneuploidy screening.
Interventions
- RadiationUltrasound
With 3-D and 4-D high-resolution color Doppler methods it is possible to map out the placental circulation, fetal circulation, fetal brain, and fetal cardiac function. Investigators will collect these data points prenatally.
- RadiationMRI
Similar to the Ultrasound data, investigators will collect MRI images of the fetal brain and the placenta. MRI will allow investigators to collect more detailed images of both the fetal brain and placenta, and investigators will be utilizing this technique both prenatally and postnatally.
- ProcedureBlood collection
The maternal and cord blood will be collected for the processing of plasma and serum. There may be early biomarkers of IUGR in the maternal circulation that investigators can use to better determine the appropriate strategy for clinical management of care. Collection and subsequent analysis of molecular markers in the umbilical cord blood will be used to further confirm physiological dysfunction as detected by ultrasound and MRI techniques.
- BehavioralNeurological Function Assessment
Neurological development tests including a Bayley exam, Mullen exam, Developmental Profile-3, Child Behavior Checklist, and Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure (PSOM) will be performed.
- Procedure
Location
- University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical CampusAurora, Colorado