The EPIC Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Ex Preterm Infant in Childhood
IRAS ID
159940
Contact name
Neena Modi
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 7 days
Research summary
Every year there are more than 15 million babies who are born early (preterm; less than 37 weeks of pregnancy) worldwide. The number of babies being born preterm appears to be increasing; probably due to advancing maternal age and more multiple births.
We know that babies who are born preterm are more likely to suffer with lung disease and cerebral palsy. These problems can be readily picked up by doctors, allowing us to refer to specialist services to ensure all children reach their full potential.
There is new evidence that preterm babies may grow differently through childhood. These differences cannot be readily picked up by simply measuring height and weight; instead we think that the changes relate to the way that fat stores are laid down around internal organs and under the skin. Large amounts of fat around internal organs, particularly the heart and liver, can increase the risk diabetes and high blood pressure in adults. It is important to understand exactly how children who were born preterm are affected as these changes could affect their long term health.
We have already completed a research study which showed that preterm babies had a different fat distribution compared to babies born on time. All the babies in this study had an MRI scan which is very safe, painless and radiation free method to measure the amount and distribution of fat.
The babies who took part in the first research study are now 5-6 years old and we would like to invite them back to have a repeat MRI scan. These images are then analysed to work out each child’s precise body composition; we will compare these results to the scans that the children had as babies to see if the differences in amount and distribution of fat are still there.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1459
Date of REC Opinion
16 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion