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ELSPAC data 'safe and still valued'

Fresh analysis is being carried out on data collected from more than 1000 Manx families, as part of a unique international study of child development.

The Isle of Man made a major contribution to the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childbirth, or ELSPAC, in the early 1990s.

Until recently, information and biological samples have been in long-term storage on the Island and at the University of Liverpool.

But since the organisers' retirement, the data has been moved to Bristol.

Its new custodians are re assuring those who took part the data is safe - and still highly valued.

The study collected information on all children born in the Isle of Man in 1990 - 91.

It aimed to show how environmental, social, psychological and genetic factors determine the survival, heath and well being of the fetus, infant child and adult.

More than 1300 Manx families were involved and data was also gathered in Czech Republic, Ukraine, Russia, Greece and Majorca.

The Isle of Man took part in clinics after 7 and 15 years.

Now the study data and samples have been transferred to laboratories at the University of Bristol, where fresh analysis is being carried out.

An Isle of Man data governance committee is assuring participant families their hard work was worthwhile.

A website has been set up for all participants to find out more about the new study on Bristol.ac.uk/isleofman.

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