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PROTOCOL OVERVIEW: THE MOTHER AND INFANT DETERMINANTS OF VASCULAR AGING STUDY (MIDAS)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death for females, a largely underrepresented population in research, particularly during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The Mother and Infant Determinants of Vascular Aging Study (MIDAS) aims to examine differences in pulse wave velocity (PWV), a validated measure of arterial stiffness, in order to assess CVD risk in healthy and medically-complex mother/infant dyads women during pregnancy and post-partum through the first year of life. METHODS: Pregnant women (n=840, aged 18-45) from diverse backgrounds will be recruited from three research universities. High-risk mothers must meet >1 of the following criteria: gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or fetal growth restriction (≤10% FGR at 34-40 weeks or abdominal circumference <10th percentile). Participants will undergo four visits: at 34-40 weeks' gestation, within 72 hours of delivery, and at 6 and 12 months post-delivery. To address the primary aim of MIDAS, at all visits, carotid-to-femoral PWV (cfPWV) and brachial-to-femoral PWV (bfPWV) will be measured in mothers and bfPWV in infants, respectively. Lifestyle questionnaires will be administered at visits 1, 3, and 4 to further assess personal and socioecological CVD risk factors. Body composition (skinfold, DEXA), blood, urine, and microbiome (fecal sample) analysis will serve as additional metrics for CVD risk assessment. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We hypothesize that, compared to low-risk mother/infant dyads, high-risk dyads will have significantly higher PWV and increased PWV change over time. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the MIDAS study will contribute to guideline and intervention development intended to capitalize on the window of pregnancy to promote CVD prevention and risk mitigation in women and their children.

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