The Manchester BabyGRO Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Antenatal and Life Course Exposures in FGR that Lead to Adverse Cardio-metabolic Disease Risk: The Manchester BabyGRO Study
IRAS ID
187679
Contact name
Reena Perchard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
“Fetal growth restriction (FGR)” refers to growth problems in the womb. Factors that increase FGR risk include maternal high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking. Pregnancy ultrasounds help assess and monitor risk, and guide management.\nChildren who have been born with a low birthweight following FGR show changes in their body fat composition, blood pressure, ability to handle sugars, and levels of blood fats. All these factors increase risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke in adulthood, and babies that catch up quickly are even more at risk. Although many children with FGR risk before birth have a normal birthweight, at present, we do not know about their risk of long term illness.\nWe have already shown a difference in growth patterns based on ultrasound findings before birth in babies at high risk of FGR. This study aims to identify which pregnancy environmental and ultrasound factors related to IUGR risk place a child at greater risk of long term illness. \nWe will prospectively and retrospectively recruit a total of 160 mothers and babies (up to one year) and children (aged 3-6 years), grouped according to ultrasound findings; 40 from each of three groups and 40 from a control group of healthy pregnancies. Maternal exposure data will be gathered through questionnaires, infant growth measurements will be collected, and childhood risk profiles will be compiled. This will include a blood test (for the 3-6 year old children alone), which will also help us learn about the biological pathways involved.\nThe study will last for 18 months in total and will be conducted at St. Mary’s Hospital in Manchester. Linking antenatal ultrasound findings to pre- and postnatal infant growth, and to health risk statuses in childhood will enhance our understanding of pregnancy alterations that may improve the long term health of children.\n
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0153
Date of REC Opinion
20 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion