The Psychological Impact of CSEP Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Psychological impact of surgically managed Caesarean Scar ectopic pregnancies in women and their partners
IRAS ID
322558
Contact name
Davor Jurkovic
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2023/04/159, UCL Data Protection Registration number
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
In this research study, we aim to understand the psychological impact of surgically managed caesarean scar ectopic pregnancies (CSEP) on patients and their partners. CSEP is a rare uterine ectopic pregnancy, where the pregnancy implants in a previous poorly healed caesarean scar. CSEP is associated with severe maternal morbidity and potentially mortality, therefore there is literature on the clinical, physical impact of this ectopic pregnancy, but there is no published data on the psychological burden on women. At present, our understanding of these losses must be extrapolated from research into the psychological impact of miscarriage and tubal ectopic pregnancies. Pre-existing literature has shown these early pregnancy losses can be associated with significant psychological morbidity and often has a negative impact on the health-related quality of life of the women affected. With studies exhibiting that a proportion of women will meet the criteria for recognised disorders including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress (PTS). As a referral centre for this rare form of pregnancy, we are ideally places to research this and explore ways in which these patients can be better supported.
In this study, we will recruit 40 women with a diagnosis of CSEP who have undergone surgical management at the early pregnancy unit at University College Hospital, London and participants will complete self-report questionnaires at 1, 3 and 9 months post diagnosis to assess for presence of depression, anxiety and PTS. Women and their partners will also be approached separately to participate in a semi-structured interview with a clinical psychologist at 3 months post-diagnosis to explore their experience.
The results of this study will allow us to better understand the psychological impact of CSEP and its management, which will enable us to target appropriate support to those that need it and thereby minimise psychological morbidity.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
23/WA/0175
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion