Clinical Research Directory

Determination of Clinical Phenotypes of Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Term Infants Based on Body Composition

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is defined as the inability of the fetus to fulfill its genetic growth potential. "Small for gestational age" (SGA) is the most commonly used indicator for diagnosing IUGR. However, this definition does not consider intrauterine growth trajectory or physical characteristics at birth. SGA is based on the relationship between birth weight and gestational age, and does not address anthropometric measurements at birth or prenatal indicators, such as biometric, biophysical, and Doppler velocimetry abnormalities. SGA infants may constitute intrauterine growth restricted as well as constitutionally small infants. This distinction can be made more accurately by complementary assessment of body composition. The clinical meaning of each group identified by body composition will be assessed by the evolution until 3-months of age. The feeding pattern and composition will be considered a major postnatal exposure. Accurate classification of IUGR profiles is essential to ensure appropriate nutritional intervention.

Statin Intervention for Severe Early-Onset Placental Insufficiency. (STATIN-PRE Trial)

In pregnancies with placental insufficiency, the only available treatment is close monitoring to determine the point at which the risks of preterm birth for the baby are lower than the risks of continuing the pregnancy. Therefore, safely prolonging pregnancy is the current management goal for this condition. Statins, such as pravastatin, are approved and marketed drugs used to prevent cardiovascular disease. Recent studies suggest that statins may help treat pregnancy complications and prolong pregnancy, thereby avoiding extreme prematurity and improving long-term health outcomes for both mother and baby. Previous clinical trials have shown the ability of statins to stabilize angiogenic factors, thus reducing obstetric complications associated with placental insufficiency. In 2015, a study reported that pravastatin was effective in stabilizing blood pressure and reducing proteinuria associated with preeclampsia. More recently, in 2020, it was demonstrated that in pregnant women with fetal growth restriction treated with pravastatin, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was lower than in untreated women, indicating a slower progression of placental insufficiency. This study proposes administering a daily dose of 40 mg of pravastatin between 24 and 29.6 weeks of gestation to mothers diagnosed with preeclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction. One group of women will receive the medication, while another group will receive a visually identical but inactive pill (a placebo), allowing us to determine whether any observed improvement in pregnancy is attributable to the medication. Assignment to the treatment or placebo group will be random, and neither the mothers nor the healthcare professionals caring for them will know which group they are in. The investigators also aim to examine whether this intervention during pregnancy protects the cardiovascular system. For this reason, the investigators will assess both the mother and the baby six months after birth using an ultrasound of the heart and blood vessels, and the investigators will also perform a blood test on the mothers. Additionally, the investigators want to explore the needs and expectations of women who experience these complications during pregnancy and postpartum, so that their stories can guide us in finding answers and solutions that are as personalized as possible to the real needs of families. After the visit at six months postpartum, yhe investigators will follow up with annual phone calls over the next four years to check on the participants' health and their baby's. During each call, the investigators will review the participant's health status and talk about how the participant is feeling. All of this will help us ensure that the treatment does not cause any long-term issues and will improve future care for other mothers and babies. A total of 154 pregnant women are expected to be included in order to meet the study's objectives.

PRIOR Study (Pre-eclampsia Risk In Oocyte Recipients)

The aim of this prospective observational cohort study is to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms behind and risk of pre-eclampsia in women pregnant after fertility treatment with oocyte donation. The participants are included in of of two cohorts. One includes women pregnant after oocyte donation whereas the other includes women pregnant after IVF treatment with autologous oocytes. Participants will be followed throughout pregnancy with blood samples, blood pressure, clinical controls and ultrasound examinations. Clinical outcomes will be registered post-partum.