Study of Amniotic Fluids Role in Preterm Infant Gut Development and Microbial Growth

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the role of amniotic fluid in the development and microbial colonization of the intestinal tract in extremely preterm infants born between 24 and 27 weeks of gestation. The study aims to understand how changes in amniotic fluid composition relate to conditions like chorioamnionitis and fetal growth restriction, and how these changes might affect neonatal outcomes such as necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis. This observational study involves detailed profiling of amniotic fluid and early gut microbiota to identify patterns linked to these risks. The study collects about 5 mL of amniotic fluid from mothers delivering extremely preterm infants either vaginally or via cesarean section. It also includes a reference group of pregnancies at various gestational ages, from early midtrimester to full term. The collected fluid is analyzed using advanced biomedical techniques for microbial and metabolic profiles. Neonatal fecal samples will also be studied at days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 to examine early gut colonization. Participants will be involved through the collection of amniotic fluid at birth and neonatal stool samples over the first month of life. Researchers will monitor and analyze amniotic fluid characteristics in relation to chorioamnionitis, fetal growth restriction, and neonatal health outcomes including necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis. The study aims to improve understanding of gastrointestinal development in preterm infants and identify high-risk cases, potentially guiding future interventions. The total study duration spans from birth through the first 28 postnatal days for microbiota monitoring.

Amniotic Fluid & the Preterm Gut