Research
My research explores how environmental and socioeconomic factors shape adverse pregnancy conditions, particularly pre-eclampsia. I have investigated the impact of high-altitude hypoxia on pre-eclampsia risk in Ecuador and am currently examining how socioeconomic status influences pre-eclampsia in Uganda. A central question driving my work is: at the level of the trophoblast, how does the conceptus “sense” maternal socioeconomic status and respond accordingly? This inquiry bridges clinical epidemiology with fundamental biological mechanisms, aiming to understand how structural inequalities manifest at the embryological and placental levels. Using large-scale maternal health data, geospatial analysis, and statistical modelling methods, I seek to uncover patterns that link environmental and social determinants to pregnancy outcomes. Through this research, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of maternal health disparities, refine clinical resource allocation, and, ultimately, improve outcomes for more vulnerable patient populations.
Publications
Under Review:
Mitchell-Sparke, E., Theeuwes, B., Grant, I., Giussani, D.A., Aiken, C. “Altitude and Risk of Pre-Eclampsia: Insights from a large-scale epidemiological study in Ecuador.” (Under review at Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B). Submitted: November, 2024.
Kiley, J.X., Corlett, A., Mitchell-Sparke, E., Jasper, B., Wishlade, T., Bhagra, C., Wetzler, S., Aiken, C. “Antenatal experiences of pregnant women with cardiac conditions: a systematic review and meta-synthesis.” (Under review at American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology MFM). Submitted: January, 2025.
Published:
Mitchell-Sparke E., Mitchell K.W., Sparke M.B. “Re-socializing Pre-Health Education in the Context of COVID: Pandemic Prompts for Bio-Social Approaches.” Frontiers in Medicine (Lausanne). 2022, Nov 2; 9:1012821. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1012821.
