PED and Reproduction
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective cohort study of pre- and peri- conception endothelial function in women undergoing assisted reproduction.
IRAS ID
283844
Contact name
Neelam Potdar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
A prospective cohort study of pre- and peri- conception endothelial function in women undergoing assisted reproduction.
Subfertility affects one in six couples and often assisted reproduction treatment (ART) is required. During ART, changes occur in the woman’s cardiovascular system which alters the blood pressure and tone in the small blood vessels (endothelial function), thereby potentially reducing blood flow to the womb. These changes can have effect on implantation of the pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and on long-term cardiac health. In addition, there is evidence that women undergoing ART can have pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD), which can further compromise maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. The MBBRACE UK (Mothers and babies, reducing risk through confidential inquires and audit UK) 2019 report has also highlighted cardiac disease as a cause of poor mother and baby outcome in women who underwent ART.
The primary aim of this study is to investigate baseline, during treatment and early pregnancy endothelial function in women undergoing assisted reproduction. All women undergoing NHS funded treatment at the assisted conception unit at University Hospitals of Leicester, who meet the study criteria can participate and follow up will be for 9 month’s post recruitment for each participant. The study will involve taking blood tests for lipids and diabetes as well as an assessment of the endothelial function of blood vessels using a validated special blood pressure monitor and ultrasound scan to check blood supply to the womb.
This study will help to identify women who are likely to have CVD before starting ART and can benefit from early identification and intervention including pre-conception counselling and specialist care during pregnancy.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/EM/0136
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion