Premature Birth Study
We are no longer enrolling participants in this study.
Inova Translational Medicine Institute (ITMI) collaborated with Inova Fairfax Hospital's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Pediatrics to identify causes of premature birth that may be linked to genetic or biochemical changes.
The Premature Birth Study, which enrolled 1,028 families, is now in the analysis phase to examine the role of genetic differences in mothers, fathers and babies when the baby is born before and after 36 weeks. The results will help develop new ways to predict premature birth, and ultimately prevent it.
Premature Birth Study at ITMI: Who participated
Families who delivered at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus were eligible to participate. If the parent or child had a known genetic disorder or a known reason for premature birth (such as trauma), they were not included in the study.
Premature Birth Study at ITMI: Participant requirements
- Blood samples from parents and the baby: ITMI researchers collected a small sample of blood in a routine blood draw during the mother's prenatal care and took a small amount of blood from the father in a hospital lab. During the baby's mandatory newborn screening blood test, a very small additional amount of blood was collected.
- Saliva samples: ITMI also took a small sample of cells and saliva by running a cotton swab on the inside of the cheeks of mother, father and baby
The specimens allowed staff to conduct whole genome sequencing to include family centered, trio-based whole genome sequencing. Data is analyzed for the individual or family trio, through buccal, blood and saliva specimens' evaluation including epigenetic (currently through DNA methylation studies), RNA expression (RNAseq) and miRNA to help determine the molecular associations of preterm birth.
Contact us
To learn more about the study, contact Kathi Huddleston, PhD, Director, Clinical Research or call ITMI at 703-776-8199.