The MIRACL Study: Maternal Immune Responsiveness as Clinical Target for Preterm Birth Prevention
Preterm birth is a complication of pregnancy that can negatively affect the health of the baby. Immune cells of the mother are thought to play a role in determining birth timing, though little is known about differences in immune cells that promote a timely versus early birth. This study will test new methods of identifying women at risk for preterm birth and predicting response to preventive interventions. We will also examine if and how maternal factors affect immune cells of the mother and baby and determine whether this is important to birth outcomes and outcomes for the baby. For more information about this study: Visit https://u.osu.edu/miracl
The SLEEP-MOM Study: Sleep and Methylation of Maternal DNA in Preterm Birth
Preterm birth is a complication of pregnancy that can negatively affect the health of the baby. Disturbed sleep affects ½ of pregnancies and increases risk for preterm birth. This study will test new methods of identifying women at risk for disturbed sleep-associated preterm birth. We also aim to identify new targets to prevent this important complication of pregnancy. Data collected under the MIRACL Study will be used to address the questions of the SLEEP-MOM Study. For more information about the MIRACL study: Visit https://u.osu.edu/miracl
The TRANSCRIPT-PTB Study: Transcriptional Profiling in the Prediction and Prevention of Inflammatory Preterm Birth
Nearly half of severe spontaneous preterm births display evidence of an inflammatory origin, though markers of systemic inflammation do not predict risk. The central purpose of this study is to determine if profiling of leukocyte gene transcripts active within candidate signaling cascades can predict inflammatory spontaneous preterm birth risk and intervention response. Data collected under the MIRACL Study will be used to address the questions of the TRANSCRIPT-PTB Study. For more information about the MIRACL study: Visit https://u.osu.edu/miracl