3D-ARM (3D ultrasound Assessment in Recurrent Miscarriage)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Association of Acquired uterine abnormalities with recurrent miscarriage
IRAS ID
330231
Contact name
Kanna Jayaprakasan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research & Development Department,University Hospitals of Derby and Burton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is the loss of two or more pregnancies before 24 weeks of gestation. It affects 1-3% of women trying to conceive and is associated with significant physical and psychological consequences to those affected. Couples referred to RM undergo investigations including pelvic scan. While two-thirds of the causes of RM are unexplained, congenital (present from birth) uterine abnormalities could be linked with miscarriages. However, there is lack of definite evidence whether acquired (developed after birth) uterine abnormalities are linked to RM and the recent draft guideline from the RCOG recommended doing research on this. This study proposes to see whether uterine abnormalities like fibroids, polyps, scar tissues inside the uterus or adenomyosis (presence of lining of the womb with in the uterine muscles) are more commonly seen in RM patients (study group) than in the fertile background population (control group). All women will have a 3D ultrasound, which is more accurate than 2D scan in diagnosing uterine abnormalities. The proportion of women with abnormalities of uterus between the groups will be compared. This comparison will help to establish whether there is a link between acquired uterine abnormalities and RM and if proven, further studies can be looked at treating those abnormalities would help to reduce the chances of further miscarriages.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0130
Date of REC Opinion
10 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion