The Preterm Birth Cohort Study in Guangzhou (PBCSG) aims to explore the impact of genetic and environmental factors including life styles on preterm birth, to examine the interaction effect between these factors, and to follow up the short-term and long-term outcomes of preterm childrens.
Preterm birth has become the leading cause of neonatal death and the second leading cause of death among children under five years of age. Preterm childrens are more susceptible to adverse health problems including brain injury and neurodevelopment delay, and are at risk of chronic diseases which could impair the health status and life quality later in life. However, the causes of preterm birth is still not clear, and there are no effective prediction and preventive strategies. The Preterm Birth Cohort Study in Guangzhou (PBCSG) will collect the epidemiological,clinical information and biological specimens including maternal blood,cord blood, placenta, children's blood and stool samples of preterm childrens and their mothers. More importantly, childrens' health status, physical and neurodevelopment will be followed up to late childhood and adolescence. The preterm birth cohort would help to explore the mechanism of preterm birth and to examine the short- and long-term influence of preterm birth on physical health and neurodevelopment of childrens.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
5,000
Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, China
Guangzhou, China
RECRUITINGNeurodevelopment at early childhood
Assessed by using the Gesell Developmental Schedules, which include adaptive, gross motor, fine motor, language, and social function domains. Higher score in each domain is considered a better outcome, while no more than 85 is defined as suspected development retardation
Time frame: At age of 1 year
Intelligence quotient of offspring
Assessed by using Wechsler's Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), which can generate a full scale intelligence quotient score and five primary index scores including verbal comprehension, visual spatial, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Intelligence quotient ranges from 40 to 160,in which less than 70 is defined as mental retardation
Time frame: At age of 6 years old
Height changes during childhood and adolescence
Measured by nurses in clinic using a standard tool
Time frame: At birth, age of 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 6 years, 12 years and 18 year
Weight changes during childhood and adolescence
Measured by nurses in clinic using a standard tool
Time frame: At birth, age of 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 6 years, 12 years and 18 year
Change of intestinal flora during early childhood
Assessed by analyses of stool samples
Time frame: At age of 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 6 years, 12 years and 18 years old
Changes of body fat percentage during early childhood
Assessed by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (defined as total mass of fat divided by total body mass)
Time frame: At age of 3 years, 6 years, 12 years and 18 years old
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Changes of bone density during early childhood
Assessed by Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Time frame: At age of 3 years, 6 years, 12 years and 18 years old