In these unprecedented times, the BLOOM Study halted operations between March and August 2020. As of September 2020, we have resumed the enrolment and follow-up of ‘BLOOM babies’, following the guidelines from Alberta Health Services. We have implemented a series of steps to reduce or eliminate in-person contact with study participants. For example, we are using a telemedicine platform that allows BLOOM Study personnel to contact participants via teleconference in a confidential and secure manner. We are devoted to continuing with this important study during these challenging times while strictly adhering to UCalgary and Alberta Health Services guidelines for clinical research studies.
Our sincere thanks for your continued participation!
BLOOM Study Staff
On December 2018, we launched the Alberta BLOOM-PTN Study. This study aims to learn how the gut microbiome of very premature babies develops during the first months of life.
All participants are invited to join the Alberta BLOOM-PTN Study at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Foothills Medical Center in Calgary, Alberta. Participants can be followed at all other Calgary NICUs when they get transferred to a level 2 NICU or if discharged to home during the first 3 months of life.
We will follow infants and mothers for the first 3 months of life. From birth until babies are 60 days old, we will follow participants frequently (see study diagram).
Infants born before 32-weeks gestation and their mothers. Study enrollment takes place during the first week after birth
By studying samples collected from infants and their moms, we will greatly add to our understanding of how the maternal microbiome influences both short and long term health outcomes.
If you have any questions about the study, please contact us here.
WE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OF THIS STUDY!
