Fetal fibronectin (fFN) for the prediction of term delivery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The use of Fetal fibronectin (fFN) for the prediction of delivery at term.
IRAS ID
163760
Contact name
Steve Thornton
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
It is known that the concentration of fetal fibronectin (fFN)increases in women at risk at preterm delivery. fFN is currently used in clinical practice to determine the risk of delivery. However, although its use is well established in preterm labour it has not been used to assess the chances of a woman who is being induced progressing to a normal delivery. It is possible that an increase in fFN is related to the chance of successful vaginal delivery at induction.
It is also likely that fFN increases in the vagina in women who are going to go into imminent spontaneous term labour. The current pilot study will determine whether the concentration of fFN in women who are induced to see whether it is likely that it can be used to detect successful induction and it will also be measured in women in uncomplicated pregnancy at term to determine whether it can be used to detect the imminent onset of spontaneous labour. The results will be used to determine whether a definitive trial should be undertaken.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SW/1151
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion