University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH) is one of 12 individual U.S. birth cohort sites that make up the Children’s Respiratory Environmental Workgroup (CREW) consortium.

Four of these sites, including UWSMPH, will be conducting the Childhood Allergy and the NeOnatal Environment (CANOE) study. Up to 500 pregnant mothers will participate in this study across the U.S. About 150 will take part in the study at UWSMPH.

Background

logo for CANOE: Childhood Allergy and the Neonatal Environment study

The purpose of these research studies is to determine how early-life environmental factors cause childhood asthma and allergies. Previous birth cohort studies have found that early-life environmental factors, such as allergies, pollutants, viruses and bacteria, contribute to the development of asthma and allergies. We are doing this research because there continues to be a strong need to understand the causes of asthma and allergies.

In addition to sharing data and samples among CREW investigators, CANOE data and samples will also be shared with the larger Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program (www.echochildren.org). ECHO consists of multiple NIH studies in about 200 locations in the United States. It is expected that ECHO will have a total study population of about 50,000 children and their families.

What to Expect: CANOE Study Timeline

Study activities will be conducted over the phone, through email, and/or around scheduled prenatal and pediatrician visits at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Health locations. Participants will be compensated for their time.

Enrollment Criteria

This study will follow mothers and their child starting in the prenatal period through the child’s first 3 years of life. Expectant mothers who meet the following criteria may be eligible to enroll:

  • Are > 18 years of age
  • You, and/or the biological father, and/or one of your biological children must have asthma, allergies of the nose, or eczema
  • Plan to deliver in Madison, WI

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding the CANOE study, please call or email our team.