Research team

Expertise

anythig concerning pelvic floor pathology ,myoma, endometriosis, preeclampsia, pregnancy, prenatal ultrasound, maternal health care perinatal mental healh care pelvic organ proalps pop gynaecologic and pelvic surgery laparoscopy pelvic floor ultrasound preterm birth pprom infections in pregnancy

Impact of MPXV infection on pregnancy outcome and newborn health (PREGMPOX). 01/08/2024 - 31/07/2027

Abstract

Pregnant women have an increased risk of severe mpox disease, however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. To better understand altered transmission pattern of MPXV and its impact on this vulnerable population, PREGMPOX aims to assess the extent of MPXV spreading among pregnant women in South Kivu and neighboring regions through both passive and active surveillance. Passive surveillance will utilize existing health data from local facilities, capturing reported cases, while active surveillance will involve direct community engagement to identify and document unreported cases. In sentinel study sites in hot spot areas, the prevalence of MPXV infection among pregnant women will be investigated and potential transmission routes determined. Moreover, our project aims to document and analyze adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with MPXV infection, such as spontaneous losses, stillbirths, preterm deliveries, and neonatal infection. MPXV+ pregnant women will be asked to participate in a cohort study where they will be followed until delivery to document pregnancy outcomes, maternal immune response, and virus abundance and pathological changes in the placenta. This will help to determine specific risk factors and modes and frequencies of vertical transmission to the unborn, and generate a list of clinical and immunological predictors for adverse outcomes for pregnant women and neonates. As a prerequisite to evaluate the safety of the MVA-BN vaccine and tecovirimat treatment in pregnant women, we will create a comprehensive register of adverse pregnancy outcomes, using a pharmacovigilance model to monitor and analyze adverse events following immunization and treatment. The results of our multidisciplinary studies will be crucial for developing guidelines and recommendations to manage mpox more effectively during pregnancy, and for potentially influencing global health policies.

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Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Sustaining, deepening and expanding the Sub-Saharian HPV research network (WAKA-HPV Africa). 01/01/2018 - 31/08/2022

Abstract

Almost 90% of deaths from HPV-related invasive cervical cancer (ICC) worldwide occur in developing countries and ICC is a main cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, in SSA, we observe a significant lack of ICC knowledge among health care workers. Furthermore, academic ICC expertise is also completely missing, undermining any effort to strengthen the health care capacities. Local academic expertise is also vital for National policy makers and public opinion. In 2013, we established the WAKA network to train African based researchers till a post-doc level, to stimulate international South South collaboration and to support local laboratory facilities (www.wakahpvafrica.com). Several students from SSA are in a doctoral trajectory and the WAKA network gained significant recognition (i.e. WHO). This proposal wants to continue, deepen and expand this network until a level of self-sustainability.

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Project website

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

The Belgian prenatal microarray database (BEMAPRE): realization of the database, determination of genotype-phenotype correlations and postnatal follow-up. 01/10/2016 - 30/09/2018

Abstract

In Belgium, samples for prenatal genetic diagnosis are analyzed by Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA). The main challenge herein lies in the interpretation of copy number variants (CNVs) for which knowledge about postnatal outcome is limited. All Belgian genetic centers have agreed on prenatal CNV classification, but ambiguous situations still occur. The goal of our research is to 1) investigate genotype-phenotype correlations using clinical data of children with prenatally registered non-benign CNVs; 2) narrow down the prenatal genotype-phenotype correlation of frequently found known pathogenic CNVs and 3) focus on outcome in children with other than benign CNVs and renal/urogenital anomalies on ultrasound. To secure our goals, we have created a Belgian database for registration of prenatal CMA data. In the first year of my PhD, I developed the framework of this database, guided the genetic centers in importing their data and presented our first results at international conferences. Next, I will start postnatal data collection of children with other than benign CNVs, determine renal function at the age of 1 year in case of a renal/urogenital ultrasound anomaly, and assess neurologic and psychomotor development at the age of 2-3 years. By ameliorating genotype–phenotype knowledge of prenatally registered CNVs, we will develop a strong scientific base for clinical decision-making in prenatal diagnosis. This work is a collaboration of all Belgian academic genetic centers.

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  • Research Project

Appui scientifique pour la realization du project interdisciplinaire/interuniversitaire en santé maternelle à Unikin et à Unilub 01/12/2014 - 30/11/2018

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

    Project type(s)

    • Research Project