There is limited knowledge about the extent of the impact of maternal metabolic diseases (MD) and/or alterations in maternal serum lipid content upon neonatal lipid distribution and phenotypes. This observational feasibility study aims to investigate the effect of maternal MD on fat distribution, lipid content and metabolic phenotype of different neonatal tissues. We will explore whether differences in tissue fat distribution and lipid content are observed in the neonates of women with MD during pregnancy, compared to those who have a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy and if there are changes in how the different tissues work (e.g. cardiac function). If there is evidence to show that there are alterations during pregnancy in children of women with MD, this will help inform potential interventions to ensure optimal child health.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
80
Use of a thermal imaging cameral to measure brown and white adipose tissue function
Echocardiographic imaging of the fetal heart to assess ventricular function
ECG of the fetus and the neonate to look at the cardiac electrical activity
MRI scan of the neonate to assess adipose tissue, liver architecture and cardiac structure and function
Serum sample taken from mother before birth and umbilical cord or neonatal blood spot at birth to assess glucose levels / lipid levels and lipidomics and cardiac function (using NTproBNP) as a marker
Assessment of the distribution of adipose tissue
To perform imaging and biochemical studies to determine whether maternal metabolic disease alters the distribution of adipose tissue (SAT, VAT, BAT) of the fetuses and neonates of women with MD during pregnancy compared to neonates of women who had a healthy pregnancy.
Time frame: 30 months
Assessment of skeletal muscle, heart and liver
To perform imaging and biochemical studies to determine whether maternal metabolic disease alters the distribution and phenotypes of skeletal muscle, heart and liver of the fetuses and neonates of women with MD during pregnancy compared to those of women who had a healthy pregnancy.
Time frame: 30 months
Assessment of the function of adipose tissue
To evaluate novel MRI-based techniques to measure the function of adipose tissue (SAT, VAT, BAT) in the neonates.
Time frame: 30 months
Assessment of cardiac function and rhythm
To perform echocardiography and fetal/ neonatal ECG studies to understand the impact of maternal MD on the fetal heart.
Time frame: 30 months
Thermal assessment
To use thermal imaging to determine the temperature of regions of interest, e.g. BAT, of pregnant women with MD and their neonates.
Time frame: 30 months
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