Why it is important
If we identify genetic factors that cause women to be predisposed to preterm birth we can target prevention strategies to high-risk pregnancies. An understanding of the genetic factors that influence preterm birth risk may also enable design of new therapies targeted at individual risk factor in different women.
The PRESTIGE-preterm birth study aims to establish whether there are specific genetic risk factors in women of different ethnicities. If this shows different biological risk factors in some women, this will allow targeting of therapies. If it does not, it will enable detailed focus on separate reasons to explain higher preterm birth rates in Black and South Asian women.
Maternal metabolic disease and Preterm Birth
This study will establish whether the drug UDCA may have a role in protection against preterm birth in non-ICP pregnancies (as well as in the context of ICP).
Researchers
- Peter Dixon
- Josca Schoonejans
- Alex Bracanovic
- Anna Yang
- Anna Merick
- Megumi Nymura
- Olivia Walker
- Catherine Williamson