COLLECT Database

COLLECT database:
Many obstetric problems, including preeclampsia, are complex syndromes with more than one subtype suggesting differing underlying pathogenic pathways. To unravel these complexities, large, statistically powerful datasets formed by merging many smaller studies are needed. Databases are expensive to design and maintain and often difficult/impossible to merge as different databases may be incompatible.

What we have done:
The Global Pregnancy Collaboration (CoLab) has created a standard pregnancy database available for online use by interested investigators in both low- and middle-income and in high-income countries.

What is provided:
Minimal dataset: agreed and defined for preeclampsia
Identical data items: collected in same format
Avoid point of care diagnosis: enough primary clinical / laboratory data collected to enable retrospective diagnosis by impartial investigators.
Variable Definitions: dataset allows retrospective specification of definitions.
Optimal dataset: (including the minimal dataset) is also agreed and defined.
Optional data items: available for specific investigators and local study-specific requirements.
On line input and access to data: with a local spreadsheet option where needed
Security and ethical considerations: each database is fully owned by the investigator.
Collaboration: is enabled but not required.
Global application: high functionality for investigators anywhere in the world.
Affordable: free of charge in LMIC for investigators without funding, nominal charge ($100/month) in HIC
Updated: as needed while retaining core consistency
Clinical Studies/Trials: facilitated by use of database
Other pregnancy pathologies: can be studied by adapting the database with add-on data fields
e.g. preterm birth

Advantages:
Near to a state-of-the art system as possible, tailor made for preeclampsia research but easily
adaptable for other problems or just clinical record keeping, cheap, secure, flexible, can be
individualized, laboratory inventory system, facilitates collaborative research, available in a
format suitable for RCTs, can be translated to different languages, your research database.

Availability:
Available NOW—for more information, please contact the CoLab Data Manager, Kasey Dickenson, at: dickensonke2@mwri.magee.edu. Development funded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.