Tommy’s Centre Funded Studentship on PreNIRS

Tommy’s Centre Funded Studentship on PreNIRS (Preterm birth and Neonatal brain Injury Risk indicators) study

The foundation of future health is established during fetal life. Unfortunately, the intrauterine journey can become complicated during pregnancy leading to preterm birth and/or fetal growth retardation, both of which are likely to result in the birth of a small vulnerable low birth weight newborn infant (small for gestational age or SGA). These infants have a higher risk of neonatal death, future morbidities with long-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes with high socio-economic impact. Prevention of preterm birth is critical for improvement in global child health and development. There is a well-known association between antenatal and intrapartum insults, including infection and inflammation with preterm births. Over recent years, the relationship between inflammation, vascular dysfunction and hypoxia has become the focus of increasing interest. These common pathological features lead to dysmaturational brain injury, defined by the failure of oligodendrocyte and neuronal maturation, resulting in impaired neural connectivity and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment.

In this proposed study, we aim to develop a promising translational optical placental monitoring tool using in-house developed multiwavelength, multichannel time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy (TR NIRS) system for assessment of placental physiology (placental haemodynamics, oxygenation and metabolism). A detailed placental histopathology analysis will be performed to identify related changes in optical markers. Following serial placental monitoring during pregnancy and in labour, the newborn babies will also be monitored with broadband NIRS (bNIRS) for the assessment of brain health in early postnatal life.

PreNIRS study will throw significant light on the understanding of the pathophysiology of preterm birth and will assess the efficacy of placental optical monitoring in relation to the development of preterm brain injury.