Prediction of adverse obstetric outcomes: new biomarkers to optimize the prediction and accuracy of established algorithms for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

• Grant number: 22/16592-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: October 09, 2023
• End date: October 08, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Cristiane de Freitas Paganoti
• Grantee: Cristiane de Freitas Paganoti
• Host Investigator: Fabricio da Silva Costa
• Host Institution: Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Gold Coast University Hospital, Australia

Abstract

This research aims to create robust predictive models for obstetric complications, such as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), in early pregnancy, enabling targeted and specific interventions to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, preventing the progression of the disease in later life. Newly discovered biomarkers will be added to former developed GDM predictive algorithms, in order to improve the power and accuracy of these established models. A transcriptomic approach will be used to prospectively measure markers of pathological processes in the maternal blood of approximately 2,000 women, at two stages of pregnancy: 11 to 13 weeks and 26 to 28 weeks of gestation. Combining circulating molecular signatures with detailed screening of maternal/placental/fetal well-being will be developed into new models to determine GDM risk months before clinical presentation. The hability for early prediction of potential complications resulting from GDM is extremely important as it allows for better care for the pregnant woman and the fetus/newborn. Fetal well-being and development can also be determined through detailed clinical assessments and testing for substances in the pregnant woman's blood. Therefore, the aim of this research is to develop new ways to combine the best predictors of pregnancy complications and provide clinical tools for doctors and nurses that can guarantee adequate assistance to pregnant women and provide a healthy start to life for newborns. (AU)