Reduced Fetal Movement Intervention Trial (ReMIT-2)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A multicentre, randomised controlled pilot trial of standard care informed by results of an additional placental factor blood test versus standard care in women presenting with reduced fetal movement (RFM) at or after 36+0 weeks gestation.
IRAS ID
201841
Contact name
Alexander Heazell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 14 days
Research summary
In the UK, 1 in 220 babies are stillborn, which describes a baby born with no signs of life after 24 weeks of pregnancy. Forty percent of babies who are stillborn born die after 36 weeks of pregnancy and have no lethal structural abnormality. If these babies could be identified and delivered earlier, lives could be saved. The association between a woman’s perception of a reduction in her baby’s movement and stillbirth is well documented. Reduced fetal movement is thought to be a symptom of nutrient or oxygen restriction and is related to changes in placental structure and function. Other research suggests that adding a blood test to determine how well the placenta is working might help professionals make decisions about when to intervene to prevent complications.
Currently, it is not known whether additional tests of the placenta can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications for both mothers and babies. This trial will involve women having an additional blood test to measure how well their placenta is working. The results of the blood test will help clinicians decide how to treat women with reduced fetal movement compared with standard care. This is a pilot trial to provide initial information about whether the blood test is helpful in making clinical decisions. A much larger research study will then be needed to assess this properly.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0014
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion