Predicting Intrapartum Fetal Distress And Severe Neonatal Morbidity– The PRISM Study

Background

Small for gestational age (SGA) infants (birthweight (BW) <10th centile for sex and gestation1) and those that have fetal growth restriction (FGR) (Estimated Fetal Weight (EFW) <10th centile for gestation at >32 weeks gestation) are at risk of stillbirth, fetal distress in labour and other adverse perinatal and long term neurodevelopmental outcomes.2,3 Most cases of SGA/FGR are due to suboptimal placental function which results in poor oxygen and nutrient supply to the infant.4,5 Poor placental function is associated with changes in levels of a variety of placental biomarkers in the maternal circulation.6-9 Measurement of these biomarkers may allow more accurate identification of infants at greatest risk of some of these complications.

Aim

The aim of this study is to help to improve the identification of infants at risk of fetal distress in labour requiring emergency operative birth (caesarean section or forceps or vacuum delivery).

Progress

Recruitment is underway for PRISM.

Research Team: Dr Matthew Daly, Kate Jarrett, Jasmine Wood, Helen Kay, Gabby Rowsell, Bianca Ryan, Dr Jesrine Hong