Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles From the Cord Blood of Extremely Preterm New Borns and Their Correlation With Severe Morbidity and Mortality

Summary

This study aims to understand the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in extremely premature infants, those born before 28 weeks of gestation. EVs are tiny particles released by cells that carry important information about the body's condition. In extremely premature infants, blood vessels may not function properly, leading to serious health problems such as bleeding in the brain, lung injury, or severe infections.

Researchers believe that analyzing EVs in the umbilical cord blood of these infants may help predict which babies are at higher risk of developing these complications. By studying the size, number, and type of EVs, the team hopes to identify early markers that can guide doctors in providing better care.

The study will collect cord blood from 30 eligible infants born at the CHU of Montpellier. Blood samples will be processed to isolate platelet-poor plasma, which contains EVs. This plasma will be stored in a biobank, allowing future research on EVs and their role in extreme prematurity. EVs will then be analyzed in the laboratory to assess their characteristics and any links to severe health issues.

The findings from this study could improve understanding of circulatory problems in extremely premature infants, help identify early predictors of severe complications, and inform better monitoring and treatment strategies. The creation of a plasma biobank also provides a valuable resource for future research to enhance care and outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Conditions

• Intraventricular Hemorrhage
• Pulmonary Hemorrhage
• Death
• ELGAN (22-28SA)
• Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
• Shock
• Extracellular Vesicles
• Enterocolitis, Necrotizing

Interventions

BIOLOGICAL

Venous Cord blood sample

Venous cord blood sample will be collected at birth (10 mL; if not possible, a minimum of 3 mL) from the umbilical vein into an EDTA tube. Plasma was isolated from blood cells by two centrifugation steps. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were then isolated from plasma using additional centrifugation and ultracentrifugation steps. EVs were sized and counted using a Zetasizer, and their cellular origin was characterized by nanocytometry.

BIOLOGICAL

Arterial cord blood sample

Arterial cord blood sample will be collected at birth (10 mL; if not possible, a minimum of 3 mL) from the umbilical vein into an EDTA tube for the five first inclusions (succeed). Plasma was isolated from blood cells by two centrifugation steps. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were then isolated from plasma using additional centrifugation and ultracentrifugation steps. EVs were sized and counted using a Zetasizer, and their cellular origin was characterized by nanocytometry.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• INSERM U1046 Physiologie et médecine expérimentale du coeur et des muscles

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University Hospital, Montpellier

  lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age

0 Days

Max Age

3 Months

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-13

Primary Completion

2027-10-13

Completion

2027-10-13

Countries

• France

Study Locations