Chief Investigator: Dr Nick Kametas
Co Investigator: Dr Ippokratis Sarris and Professor Kypros Nicolaides
Research Fellow in charge: Dr Freya Baird
Funding: The study is funded by the Fetal Medicine Research Foundation
A study to investigate for changes in cardiovascular and biochemical status in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Too much research is focused on defining success as a pregnancy. We truly believe that successful fertility treatment should be defined as a healthy baby and healthy mother – and that’s something we are passionate about.
This is one of our current projects that focuses on the health of the mother.
The study evaluates for an effect of fertility treatment on the maternal cardiovascular system, the functioning of the heart and specific blood markers during treatment and through to 12 weeks post treatment, in the attempt to help understand how assisted reproductive technology influences risk for pre-eclampsia.
During the study, patients’ cardiovascular function is monitored using non-invasive, easy to place sensor pads. The machine monitors various parameters including blood pressure, heart rate and the blood flow through certain blood vessels. During three visits, an echocardiography is performed. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to further investigate the action of the heart.
In addition, blood samples are taken and stored; these are subsequently analysed in order to measure a number of bio-chemical markers relevant to maternal health. The combination of the above data points is analysed in order to monitor if fertility treatment has any effect on the cardiovascular system.
The information that we get from this study will potentially help improve the future management of patients during their fertility journey and through pregnancy.
This study is an educational project and forms the basis of a Life Course Science Research MDRes. degree.