The primary objective is to study the association between maternal TL and the risk of SB in offspring. The secondary objectives are to investigate the relation between maternal TL and obstetrical (pregnancy course and outcome), environmental risk…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Neurological disorders congenital
- Spinal cord and nerve root disorders
- Neonatal and perinatal conditions
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The difference in TL in cases and controls to assess the risk of SB in the
offspring. *
Secondary outcome
Our secondary study parameters are to assess the relation between maternal TL
and obstetrical (pregnancy course and outcome), environmental risk factors
(such as lifestyle, diet, obesity), and biochemical markers of oxidative
stress.
Background summary
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe birth defects involving the central
nervous system. NTDs, like spina bifida, are complex disorders caused by
genetic and periconceptional maternal environmental factors that can induce
excessive oxidative stress and inflammation. Embryogenesis in very early
pregnancy is sensitive to excessive oxidative stress, including the development
and folding of the neural tube. For that reason, the identification of a stable
marker of the periconception oxidative status in women will help to predict the
risk of SB in offspring and offers opportunities for prevention.
A number of molecular markers for biological ageing have already been
identified, including telomere length (TL). Telomeres are nucleoprotein
structures located at the end of chromosomes and the length can be measured as
a stable marker. Telomeres protect chromosomes from degradation, but in the
absence of a compensatory elongating mechanism, they become shorter with each
cell division. TL shortening is associated with exposure to environmental and
lifestyle factors that can induce oxidative stress and inflammation. We
hypothesize that preconceptional exposure to environmental risk factors
accelerates a woman*s ageing process and thereby the underlying risk of SB in
offspring, to be estimated by TL.
Study objective
The primary objective is to study the association between maternal TL and the
risk of SB in offspring. The secondary objectives are to investigate the
relation between maternal TL and obstetrical (pregnancy course and outcome),
environmental risk factors (such as lifestyle, diet, obesity), and biochemical
markers of oxidative stress.*
Study design
Retrospective case control study.*
Study burden and risks
Participants are asked to draw one blood sample. This will be combined with a
site visit and physical examination including blood pressure, length and
weight. Although taking blood is a very safe procedure, it can be uncomfortable
and may result in local bruising.
Dr. Molewaterplein 40
Rotterdam 3015 GD
NL
Dr. Molewaterplein 40
Rotterdam 3015 GD
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Cases
- At least 18 years of age.
- Singleton pregnancy.
- Pregnant or gave birth to a child with SB between January 2005 and January
2021.
- Familiar with the spoken and written Dutch language
Controls
- At least 18 years of age
- Singleton pregnancy
- Pregnant or gave birth to a child without congenital malformations between
June 2003 until January 2010
- Familiar with the spoken and written Dutch language
Exclusion criteria
Not applicable.
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL74083.078.20 |