Background
Preterm labor (PTL) is the leading cause of infant mortality in the industrialized world. It is a major cause of low birth weight that can lead to numerous severe complications for the infant. Research has shown that infections can be closely connected to preterm labor. Mycoplasma is one type of organism that causes infection and has not been widely studied. Determining whether Mycoplasma cause infection and subsequent preterm labor could lead to better prenatal care for women and fewer babies with the complications associated with preterm labor.
Objectives
The goals of this project are to:
- determine whether mycoplasmas are related to preterm delivery of a fetus,
- explore the prevalence of mycoplasma infections in women,
- gather information about other factors that influence the rate of mycoplasma infections and subsequent pregnancy complications, and
- examine how the preterm delivery rate varies in across different sites in the state.
Timeline
June 2007 – June 2009
Population
This project will be implemented at four locations around Wisconsin. Over 200 pregnant women will be examined in the Milwaukee area.
Funding Source
Wisconsin Network for Health Research (WiNHR)
WiNHR is a network of researchers interested in improving the health of Wisconsin through research. The partnership consists of researchers from Aurora/Center for Urban Population Health, UW-Madison, Gunderson Lutheran, and Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation.
Partners
- University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics
- Gunderson Lutheran Medical Foundation
- Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation
- Aurora Health Care, Center for Urban Population Health
Local Investigators & Staff
Aurora UW Medical Group
- Tina Mason, M.D., M.P.H.
- Jackie Tillett, C.N.M., N.D.
- Dennis Baumgardner, M.D.
Center for Urban Population Health
- Jennifer Evertsen, M.S.
- Melissa Lemke, B.A.
- Rebecca Hamilton, B.S.
To learn more, contact:
Jennifer Evertsen, 219-5594
or jennifer.evertsen@aurora.org
