The Alberta BLOOM Premature Child Study
The Alberta BLOOM Premature Child Study is looking at 405 premature babies and their parents. It wants to understand how the collection of tiny living things, called the microbiome, develops in premature babies during their first years of life. Researchers will investigate if certain patterns in these microbes are linked to the baby's risk of developing allergies and asthma later on. The study will also explore how things that happen around the time of birth, like diet or medicines, might affect how these microbes develop and, in turn, impact the child's overall health and immune system. This research aims to shed light on how we can better support the health of children born prematurely.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When babies are born early (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), their guts aren't as developed as full-term babies. Inside our guts, there are trillions of tiny living things, like bacteria, which are collectively called the microbiome. This microbiome plays a really important role in our health, including how our immune system works and how we digest food. Studies have shown that premature babies often have different gut microbiomes compared to babies born at full term, and these differences might be linked to health issues like asthma and allergies later in childhood.
This study, called The Alberta BLOOM Premature Child Study, wants to understand this better. Researchers will follow 405 premature children and their parents over several years. They will look closely at how the microbiome in these children's guts changes and develops during their early years. They want to find out if certain types or patterns of these tiny living things are connected to whether a child develops asthma or allergies. This is important because if we understand these links, we might be able to find ways to help prevent these health problems in premature children.
The study will also investigate how various factors influence the developing microbiome. These factors can include things like the mother's health during pregnancy, the baby's diet, whether they needed antibiotics, or how they were born. By understanding how these things affect the baby's microbiome and immune system, researchers hope to gain valuable insights into how to support the best possible health outcomes for premature babies as they grow.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on premature babies and their gut microbes.
- It aims to link gut microbes to allergy and asthma risk.
- Participation involves clinic visits at 1 and 3 years old.
- No new treatments or medicines will be given.
- The findings could help future premature babies' health.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for premature babies and their parents to take part.
For babies, they need to have been born at 36 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy or earlier. If they are joining the study very soon after birth (within 8 days), they need to be expected to survive for more than a week. We can also include children who have already been part of certain other BLOOM studies run by the same research group.
Parents or legal guardians need to be at least 16 years old, able to speak and understand English, and willing to follow all study instructions. If you're joining shortly after your baby is born, you'll also need to live within the Calgary area. You cannot be in a legal dispute over who has guardianship of the child.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is my child less than 8 days old or has already been in other BLOOM studies?
- Was my child born before 37 weeks of pregnancy?
- Am I 16 years old or older and can speak English?
- Am I willing to come to clinic visits in Calgary?
- Do I have legal guardianship of the child?
What does participation involve?
This is an observational study, which means researchers will be watching and collecting information without giving any new treatments or medicines. You won't be asked to change any part of your child's medical care. You and your child will be asked to attend clinic visits at the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. These visits will happen when your child reaches certain ages (corrected for prematurity), specifically at 1 year and 3 years. The study will look at samples taken from your child to understand their microbiome and immune development. The total duration of your participation in the study will depend on when your child reaches these age points.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of CalgaryVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada
Common questions
What is a 'microbiome'?
It's the collection of all the tiny living things, like bacteria, that live in and on our bodies, especially in our gut.
What does 'premature' mean?
It means a baby was born before 37 full weeks of pregnancy.
Will my child get new medicine in this study?
No, this is an observational study, so no new medicines or treatments will be given. Researchers will just collect information.
How long will my child be in the study?
The study involves visits when your child is 1 year and 3 years old (corrected age), so it will last at least three years.
Do I have to live in Calgary to join?
If you're joining when your baby is very young (under 8 days old), yes, you need to live in the Calgary area. If you've been part of other BLOOM studies, you'll need to attend clinic visits in Calgary.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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