06/11/2006

Dr Kelly Cohen at the University of Leeds is one of the first recipients of a Wellbeing of Women Entry-Level Research Scholarship of £20,000 to research a new technique to look at fetal abnormalities.

The growth of antenatal scanning has resulted in the identification of increasing numbers of pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies, but the significance of these is often unclear. Previous studies have shown that a proportion of anomalies are the consequence of chromosomal imbalances that are not detectable by conventional techniques, even with very high quality preparations.

A new technique, array comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH), allows a survey of the whole genome to be performed at a much higher resolution than is achievable with conventional techniques. Dr Cohen’s project will use this technique to study samples from women undergoing chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis in the investigation of ultrasound abnormalities.

Commenting on the study, Dr Cohen said, “I will analyse the samples to determine if submicroscopic imbalances can be detected in material obtained at antenatal investigation. The anomalies found will be documented and clinical follow-up will be established to look at their significance.”

It is hoped that this approach will increase the knowledgebase on the causes of fetal anomaly, and will establish a new technique for the investigation of these problems. It will also enable the autonomy of women in these crucial situations, by allowing them to make decisions from a position of maximum available information.

Entry-Level Research Scholarships offer new funding opportunities for medical graduates as they provide ‘pump-priming’ funds to enable trainees to be exposed to a research environment, or to obtain pilot data for bids for more substantial funding.

The charity’s Director, Liz Campbell said, “These awards are particularly important in encouraging medical graduates to pursue obstetrics and gynaecology at a time when different specialties are competing for the brightest and best. Entry-Level Research Scholarships are just one way that Wellbeing of Women makes a valuable contribution to the development of tomorrow’s innovative medical leaders.”

Follow us / Join us: