Cervical Health: A novel approach to imaging the cervix
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Endocervical Microprobe Ultrasound of the human cervix
IRAS ID
201473
Contact name
Nigel Simpson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Weakness of the uterine cervix (neck of the womb) is a known cause of premature birth or miscarriage in approximately 3750 babies each year in the UK. The treatment for this condition is a surgical procedure which involves inserting a stitch within the neck of the womb, providing it with additional support and encouraging the neck of the womb to remain closed until the end of pregnancy. However, symptoms associated with weakness of the cervix are similar to other known causes of premature birth, which may result in women having potentially hazardous surgery when this is not the most appropriate treatment. There are currently no tests available to detect cervical weakness prior to pregnancy. During pregnancy, vaginal ultrasound scans of the cervix can be used to detect shortening and opening of the cervix, which is an indicator of cervical weakness, but in many cases the process of preterm labour is already underway by the time a diagnosis is made.
The aim of this project is to use a new approach to image the cervix in greater detail in the hope of gaining a greater understanding of why it may sometimes weaken during pregnancy.
Women who are eligible for this study are those who are about to undergo surgery to the uterus for non-cancerous reasons. If a woman has consented to participate in the research it will not be required for them to attend any further appointments in relation to the research. The research will involve performing an ultrasound imaging technique and subsequent histologic investigation on the uterus after it has been removed. Woman approached will be patients at St James's University Hospital, a part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/YH/0383
Date of REC Opinion
21 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion