Biomarkers, Neurodevelopment and Preterm Infants

Purpose

Approximately 2% of neonates in the US are born very preterm. Preterm births are associated with impaired cognitive, language and motor function, and increased risk for autism spectrum disorders. Epidemiological studies indicate a dose-response relationship between gestational age at delivery and cognitive impairments, with the most immature of newborns being the most susceptible to developmental delays. Sensitive and reproducible biomarkers of long-term neurocognitive impairments are currently lacking. The investigators seek to identify epigenetic markers that mediate the relationship between adverse prematurity-related exposures and neurocognitive impairments. The overarching hypothesis of this proposal is that DNA methylation profiles of CD34+ hematopoetic progenitor and stem cells from very preterm infants can be used as a risk-stratifying biomarker for predicting neurocognitive impairment in childhood.

Conditions

  • Preterm
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorder
  • Epigenetic Changes

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 1 Day and 2 Days
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • <32 weeks" gestation - Born at Weiler Division of Montefiore

Exclusion Criteria

  • Intraventricular hemorrhage - Chromosomal abnormalities - Congenital viral conditions

Study Design

Phase
Study Type
Observational [Patient Registry]
Observational Model
Cohort
Time Perspective
Prospective

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Group 1 Preterm infants <32 weeks gestational age
  • Other: Observational study

More Details

Status
Terminated
Sponsor
Montefiore Medical Center

Study Contact