The Newcastle Preterm Birth Growth Study (PTBGS) was formed as a follow on study from two trials conducted in Newcastle in the late 1990's in preterm (24–34 weeks gestation) and low birth-weight (LBW) infants. The most recent study, GROWMORE, was the fourth phase. 247 infants were recruited prior to hospital discharge. Infant follow-up included detailed measures of growth, nutritional intake and body composition (Dual X Ray Absorptiometry, DXA) along with demographic data until 2 years corrected age. Developmental assessment was performed at 18 months corrected age & cognitive assessment at 9–10 years of age. |
|
Growth, body composition (DXA), blood pressure and metabolic function (insulin resistance and lipid profile) were assessed at 9–13 years of age, and samples obtained for epigenetic analysis.
In the most recent study GROWMORE, we followed up a representative cohort using established techniques and novel metabolic biomarkers and correlated them with current lifestyle factors including physical activity and dietary intake. We assessed growth, body composition (BODPOD™), insulin resistance, daily activity levels using Actigraph™ software and used 31P and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to assess mitochondrial function and intra-hepatic lipid content. |
We are indebted to the children and their families for all their help over the last 2 decades. If you took part in the studies and would like further information please fill out the contact form and send us an email. We would love to keep in contact! THANK YOU