Ground-breaking research into blood disorders in pregnancy could provide the key to preventing baby deaths in Bradford's Asian community.

The project, to start at Bradford Royal Infirmary in April, will be the first in the country to explore the effects of inherited blood disorders in Asian mothers.

Tests will concentrate on thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening blood clotting condition which can be caused by the contraceptive pill, smoking and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Consultant haematologist Dr Liakat Parapia, of the Annette Fox Leukaemia Unit at BRI, said the project would put Bradford at the forefront of research in the field.

"There is a high rate of foetal loss in Bradford and we should be investigating more to identify high-risk areas," he said. "Haematic problems are common in Asians. It may be down to lifestyle - we know, for example, that smoking is a big factor in the white population, but with Asians it may be cholesterol or cousin marriages."

The £80,000 study will take blood samples from both Asian and non-Asian expectant women at BRI's maternity unit and monitor their progress over two years.

Funded by Bradford's Haemostasis and Thrombosis Trust Fund, it is headed by research fellow Lisa Newton, who will divide her work between BRI and laboratories in Sheffield.

She said: "Thrombosis in the lung is the biggest killer of pregnant mothers but we're following on from that to see if thrombosis in the placenta could cause pre-eclampsia (a dangerous condition associated with high blood pressure) and foetal loss.

"We know that a significant number of Asians have problems, particularly with growth-retarded pregnancies. There has been conflicting evidence over whether the tendency to clot is a cause and Asian women haven't been looked at at all. If we can find a link, we can provide the background to further research."

Dr Newton, a specialist registrar at BRI, added that the condition was easy to treat, if spotted early, with blood-thinning agents.

Anyone who would like to donate to the Haemostasis and Thrombosis Trust Fund can do so by writing to Ward Seven, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford BD9 6RJ.

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