Maternal Research Placenta & Cord Blood Bank

Overview

The MCW Maternal Research Placenta & Cord Blood Bank is an extension of the MCW Tissue Bank and serves to support physicians and medical researchers across campus in the investigation of various conditions and potential treatments. Cord blood is an essential source of stem cells and is increasing being used on an experimental basis to treat diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and many more. Research supported by this program may also involve the discovery of new medications or the advancement of current treatment methods. Therefore, Banking cord blood and making it available to researchers is essential to future research that could potentially extend many lives. Consent to this program involves a one-time donation of blood and tissue samples discarded from a single pregnancy.

Participation Information

Tissue Banking at MCW involves storing health information and blood or tissue samples in the MCW Tissue Bank for the purpose of medical research. Consent to this program only applies to a single pregnancy and any future pregnancies would require separate consent. Participants who choose to participate in MCW Maternal Research Placenta & Cord Blood Bank consent to the following:

  • A one-time blood collection at your next routine clinical blood draw. Since the blood is collected during a routine clinical draw, no extra needle sticks are necessary, and the amount of blood taken (less than one tablespoon) does not pose any increased risk.
  • Permission to bank any remnants of blood or tissue that would otherwise be discarded following a single consented pregnancy. This may include cord blood, blood, and birth related tissues such as placenta or umbilical cord.
  • Permission to securely access and use some of your electronic health information to provide research teams linked to your samples.

Prospective Studies

  1. PREEMA– The PREEMA Study (Effects of PREEclampsia on MAternal Endothelial Function) is currently paused for enrollment. This prospective cohort study evaluates recovery from preeclampsia by assessing flow-mediated dilation, peripheral tonometry, maternal echocardiogram, maternal psychosocial, activity, dietary and lifestyle information, placental vessel dysfunction, and plasma biomarkers. The overall goal of the study is to identify risk factors and preventative measures for future cardiovascular disease.
  2. PTTS– The Preconception To Toddler Study is a prospective cohort that enrolls women and their partner attempting to conceive a pregnancy in order to track health outcomes of pregnant people beginning in the pre-pregnancy period, and continuing through gestation and beyond. This study will generate a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary toolbox that will provide longitudinal data, specimens, and community engagement to advance women and children’s health from before pregnancy to 2 years post-delivery. /li>
  3. Novel Role for Placental Endothelial Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Preeclampsia– This study utilizes placental, plasma and cord blood samples from women enrolled in the MCW Maternal Research Placenta and Cord Blood Bank (make this a hyperlink) in order to investigate changes in the blood vessels in the placenta. This work will hopefully provide a mechanism for drugs that could work to prevent or treat patients who get preeclampsia. To participate in this study, enroll in the MCW Maternal Research Placenta and Cord Blood Bank and your placenta may be used to help find a cure for preeclampsia.

More Information

Please talk with your physician about how to donate. Or call our research program at (414) 805-6605.
Visit the MCW Tissue Bank for further details