Maternal-Fetal Immune Responses in Preterm Labor and Congenital Anomalies

The purpose of this study is to provide a reference profile of small extracellular RNAs in body fluids. These samples were originally obtained in a study that had a different purpose. The purpose of the original study was to learn and understand more about the causes of preterm labor, how to prevent it, and how to treat it. What the researchers learn by studying tissue, cells, and/or fluid (including blood samples, amniotic fluid, and placental tissue) may help to prevent preterm labor and prevent preterm delivery, which will improve the prenatal care women receive and improve the health of newborns.]]>
For inclusion in the study, the control participants had to be pregnant women not experiencing preterm labor and either (i) were scheduled to deliver near- or at term at UCSF, (ii) scheduled to terminate or reduce the pregnancy at UCSF, or (iii) had a newborn transported to UCSF. In the situation of fetal demise, participants included patients who experienced a fetal demise and had given permission for postmortem examination.]]>