The purpose of the study is to describe the dynamics of the microbiome in the premature infant as a means to adapt the premature infant gut to affect better health outcomes.
The study team will collect samples of blood and stool from preterm infants once a week from the first week of life until 8 weeks after delivery. Blood samples will be collected from left over blood that is being collected for clinical management. No extra blood draws will be done for research purposes only. Samples of leftover breast milk will be collected once weekly from the first week of life until 8 weeks after delivery. While the baby is in the hospital the study team will collect information about the growth and development as well as events that happen during their intensive care nursery (ICN) hospitalization. In addition, blood and stool will be collected, as well as information about the growth when the infant returns to the Duke Special Infant Care Clinic for developmental check-ups at 6 and 12 months of age. The blood will be approximately 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) and will be done at the same time that labs for clinical management are being done. A single maternal blood sample (approximately 2 teaspoons) and stool sample will be collected after delivery. Information will also be collected from the medical record.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
30
Duke University Hospital
Durham, North Carolina, United States
antigen identification of the infant microbiome over the first year of life
The investigators immediate goal is to identify antigens of the preterm infant microbiome that are recognized by natural and adaptive antibodies and determine how mucosal and serologic antibody responses alter the dynamics of secondary intestinal colonization.
Time frame: Week 1
antigen identification of the infant microbiome over the first year of life
The investigators immediate goal is to identify antigens of the preterm infant microbiome that are recognized by natural and adaptive antibodies and determine how mucosal and serologic antibody responses alter the dynamics of secondary intestinal colonization.
Time frame: Week 2
antigen identification of the infant microbiome over the first year of life
The investigators immediate goal is to identify antigens of the preterm infant microbiome that are recognized by natural and adaptive antibodies and determine how mucosal and serologic antibody responses alter the dynamics of secondary intestinal colonization.
Time frame: Week 3
antigen identification of the infant microbiome over the first year of life
The investigators immediate goal is to identify antigens of the preterm infant microbiome that are recognized by natural and adaptive antibodies and determine how mucosal and serologic antibody responses alter the dynamics of secondary intestinal colonization.
Time frame: Week 4
antigen identification of the infant microbiome over the first year of life
The investigators immediate goal is to identify antigens of the preterm infant microbiome that are recognized by natural and adaptive antibodies and determine how mucosal and serologic antibody responses alter the dynamics of secondary intestinal colonization.
Time frame: Week 5
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
antigen identification of the infant microbiome over the first year of life
The investigators immediate goal is to identify antigens of the preterm infant microbiome that are recognized by natural and adaptive antibodies and determine how mucosal and serologic antibody responses alter the dynamics of secondary intestinal colonization.
Time frame: Week 6
antigen identification of the infant microbiome over the first year of life
The investigators immediate goal is to identify antigens of the preterm infant microbiome that are recognized by natural and adaptive antibodies and determine how mucosal and serologic antibody responses alter the dynamics of secondary intestinal colonization.
Time frame: Week 7
antigen identification of the infant microbiome over the first year of life
The investigators immediate goal is to identify antigens of the preterm infant microbiome that are recognized by natural and adaptive antibodies and determine how mucosal and serologic antibody responses alter the dynamics of secondary intestinal colonization.
Time frame: Week 8
antigen identification of the infant microbiome over the first year of life
The investigators immediate goal is to identify antigens of the preterm infant microbiome that are recognized by natural and adaptive antibodies and determine how mucosal and serologic antibody responses alter the dynamics of secondary intestinal colonization.
Time frame: 6 months
antigen identification of the infant microbiome over the first year of life
The investigators immediate goal is to identify antigens of the preterm infant microbiome that are recognized by natural and adaptive antibodies and determine how mucosal and serologic antibody responses alter the dynamics of secondary intestinal colonization.
Time frame: 12 months