Understanding the causes and mechanisms

Principal Investigator: Professor Stuart Ralston, University of Edinburgh

Timescales: June 2022 – June 2025

Amount: £100,000 

Summary: Pregnancy associated osteoporosis (PAO) is a rare but devastating condition which typically presents with the occurrence of multiple spine fractures during the late stages of pregnancy. The cause is not well understood but in some patients, genetic factors play a role. Previous studies of PAO have been limited in scope, sample size and extent and have failed to provide comprehensive insights into the causes of the condition. Here we propose to conduct a large scale UK wide study of the clinical presentation and risk factors for PAO. Women who have been diagnosed with PAO will be invited to complete an online questionnaire providing details about risk factors and how the condition affected them when the diagnosis was made and on their current bone health. Participants will also have the option of providing their contact details so that the research team can contact the hospital specialists who are responsible to gather information on investigations and treatment. Participants will be invited provide a blood sample for genetic and biochemical analyses to clarify the role of genetic factors in PAO. A group of controls will also be recruited and studied and their characteristics compared with cases. The study will provide new insights into PAO and will form the basis of improved diagnosis and new approaches to treatment.