RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Stillbirth Risk Identification Using Multiparametric Ultrasound

This study aims to discover a new way to identify the risk of stillbirth. It focuses on predicting a condition called perinatal hypoxia, which is when a baby doesn't get enough oxygen before or during birth. This condition can lead to serious health problems for the baby, including stillbirth. Researchers are using a special type of ultrasound to examine the placenta between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy. By analysing these ultrasound images, they hope to find early signs of perinatal hypoxia. Identifying this early could allow doctors to provide extra monitoring or interventions, such as a planned C-section, to help prevent complications and keep the baby healthy.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

282

Start

03 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2025

Perinatal Hypoxia

What is this study about?

This important study is trying to find better ways to predict if a baby is at risk of not getting enough oxygen before or during birth. This condition is known as perinatal hypoxia. When a baby doesn't get enough oxygen, it can lead to serious health challenges and is a significant factor in stillbirths worldwide. Currently, this problem is often only diagnosed during delivery, which can sometimes be too late.

Researchers are using a special type of ultrasound to look closely at the placenta. The placenta is the organ that provides your baby with oxygen and nutrients during pregnancy. By performing these special ultrasounds between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy, the team hopes to identify early signs of a baby not getting enough oxygen. This early warning sign could make a big difference.

The main goal is to be able to predict perinatal hypoxia as early as 35 weeks. If doctors know about this risk earlier, they can monitor the pregnancy more closely and plan for any necessary steps, like a carefully timed C-section or other medical support after birth. The hope is that by intervening sooner, they can prevent serious health issues for the baby and ultimately reduce the risk of stillbirth.

Key takeaways

This study aims to predict stillbirth risk by detecting early signs of low oxygen in babies.
It uses a special ultrasound of the placenta between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Early detection could lead to better monitoring and timely help for babies.
Participation involves extra ultrasound scans at BC Women's Hospital.
The study has no known risks and does not involve medication.
Your standard medical care will not be affected by taking part.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be pregnant with one baby and be at least 19 years old. You also need to be planning to give birth at BC Women's Hospital. Your pregnancy should be between 35 and 38 weeks along when you consider joining, but not past 38 weeks. You'll also need to understand and agree to take part by signing a consent form.

You cannot join the study if you are pregnant with more than one baby, or if you are not planning to give birth at BC Women's Hospital. If you are under 19 years old, or if your pregnancy is past 38 weeks, you also won't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently pregnant with one baby?
Are you 19 years old or older?
Are you planning to give birth at BC Women's Hospital?
Is your pregnancy currently between 35 and 38 weeks?
Are you able to understand and sign a consent form?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would have special ultrasound scans of your placenta. These scans would happen between 35 and 37 weeks of your pregnancy. The ultrasounds use a handheld device and would take place at BC Women's Hospital. There are no medications involved in this study. The researchers will be collecting detailed information from these ultrasound images to analyse. The total duration of your active participation, providing data, would be during those few weeks of your pregnancy, leading up to delivery.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help researchers develop better ways to identify and potentially prevent stillbirths in the future, benefitting many families. The ultrasounds are a standard and safe procedure for you and your baby, with no known risks from the special measurements being taken. You are free to ask questions at any time and can decide to withdraw from the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

South Community Birth Program
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is perinatal hypoxia?

Perinatal hypoxia means your baby isn't getting enough oxygen before or during birth. It can lead to serious health issues.

What is QUS-P?

QUS-P stands for Quantitative Ultrasound of the Placenta. It's a special way of looking at your placenta using ultrasound to gather detailed information.

Will this study change my usual pregnancy care?

No, this study is observational. It adds extra scans but won't change your routine pregnancy care or medical decisions, unless your doctors find something concerning, which they would always address.

Why is it important to find hypoxia early?

Finding out if a baby isn't getting enough oxygen earlier allows doctors to act sooner, potentially preventing serious problems like stillbirths and brain damage.

Do I have to live near BC Women's Hospital?

Yes, you need to be planning to give birth at BC Women's Hospital to join this study, as all scans take place there.

How to find out more

Tiffany Reeve, MSc

treeve@mail.ubc.ca 778-227-1243 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.