An essential part of clinical research is the availability and accessibility of human biospecimens for the identification of biomarkers, new treatments and measurement of response to therapy. Proteins, RNA and DNA can be extracted and studied as well. This is a critical first step in performing many fundamental molecular biology experiments. A variety of biospecimens are utilized for research including but not limited to normal and malignant tissues, blood, and other body fluids. In order to obtain high-quality biospecimens, they must be acquired serially, stored according to current standards, and matched with clinical information for maximum value. As such, the investigators would like to create a repository of biospecimens collected from pregnant patients who are seen at Mount Sinai Hospital and other research hospitals in Toronto. Mount Sinai provides personnel and infrastructure to serve the largest (7500 births/year) and highest complex Maternity program in Ontario. Of the 7500 patients a year, at least 2500 are considered high risk pregnancies, where there's a possibility of preeclampsia, placenta accreta and a host of other complications. For this study, biological specimens - blood, cervical and placental samples - will be collected from these high-risk groups in order to better understand the causes of the underlying conditions.
Age range
18 Years – 45 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Biomarker levels
Timeframe: 18 months
Pathology
Timeframe: 9 months