Clinical Research Directory

Repeat Late GDM Testing and Cesarean Delivery Rates

The goal of this randomized trial is determine if re-testing for gestational diabetes in the third trimester after an ultrasound measurement of estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference greater than 90%ile decreases cesarean delivery rate, and to evaluate the optimal method of re-testing. The main question it aims to answer is: Does repeat testing for gestational diabetes and management of hyperglycemia decrease the cesarean delivery rate in fetuses measuring \>90%ile by estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) on ultrasound in the third trimester. Participants will be randomized into two groups: Group 1 will undergo a repeat glucose tolerance test (GTT) with blinded continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and group 2 will have no intervention. Participants in group 1 will receive nutrition counseling as this would be standard in patients at high risk for gestational diabetes.

The ROOT Study: Scaling the 'Standard of Care Plus' Obstetric Nutrition Model to Optimize Maternal and Infant Health

The 'Standard of Care Plus' ('PLUS') model in the ROOT Study consists of analyzing select micronutrient and gene variants of pregnant females to construct trimester-specific and personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations in collaboration with in-person standard obstetric care (SOC). In 2014, the investigators demonstrated statistically significant reductions in adverse maternal and infant outcomes using the 'PLUS' model compared to SOC alone. Further study in a 50% Medicaid Oregon 'PLUS' cohort (N=387) demonstrated association with highly significant risk reductions in all primary outcomes (p-value \<0.001): preterm birth: relative risk (RR) = 0.238 (4.2x less likely), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: RR = 0.229 (4.4x less likely), gestational diabetes: RR = 0.071 (14x less likely), small for gestational age: RR = 0.252 (4x less likely), and large for gestational age: RR = 0.357 (2.8x less likely). A 100% Medicaid and ethnically diverse Nevada 'PLUS' cohort showed similar trends in all outcomes that were not statistically significant because of small sample size. Structured as a prospective interventional study, the study evaluates whether the 'PLUS' model can achieve similar outcome improvements within the Novant Health (NH) system in North Carolina. The study will assess both clinical outcomes and digital nutrition platform performance within the existing healthcare infrastructure. The primary hypothesis of the ROOT study is that collaborative implementation of the 'PLUS' nutritional care model at NH Triad Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) Clinic will be associated with reduced maternal and infant adverse outcome rates when compared to historical regional and NH system outcomes in those who received SOC alone. The secondary hypothesis of the ROOT Study is that the 'PLUS' model applied during pregnancy will be associated with reduced pediatric adverse outcomes. The 'PLUS' offspring that remain in the NH system will be observed longitudinally over 5 years with chart review at birth through 2 weeks of age, and at 1, 3, and 5 years of life. The outcomes assessed include neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission in the first two weeks of life, atopic dermatitis, eczema, asthma, allergies, otitis media, obesity, and autism. The 'PLUS' adverse outcome rates will be compared to adverse outcome rates in children born regionally and nationally under SOC alone. Participant compliance with the 'PLUS' model, and participant and nutritionist access to the digital health platform will be studied during each trimester of use, as well as in the postpartum time period. The exploratory hypothesis is that the digital platform will not affect access, compliance, and rates of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes.