BRIST-IVF (Version 1.0)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Bristol IVF Cohort
IRAS ID
236773
Contact name
Debbie Lawlor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Enterprise Development
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is widely recognised as an effective treatment for infertility, which affects around one in seven couples in the UK. Around 30% of IVF cycles are successful, but success rates vary by couple and treatment characteristics. Whilst several factors have been identified which affect treatment success, including maternal age and ovarian reserve, relatively little is known about the mechanisms underlying these, how best to stratify couples for different emerging treatments, such as segmentation, in order to improve outcomes, or what other modifiable factors, such as maternal and partner mental and physical health or lifestyle behaviours influence successful live birth. Furthermore, there are evidence gaps in the long-term – on offspring and parental health – impacts of IVF and different approaches to IVF.
This research study will establish a prospective cohort of couples (or single women if attending without a partner) undergoing IVF treatment at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine (BCRM). The aim is to recruit 1,500 couples attending the BCRM for a treatment cycle. Prior to ovarian stimulation, both partners will answer a questionnaire on demographic, lifestyle factors and medical history, have their height, weight and blood pressure measured and blood samples taken. Consent will be obtained to extract data from BCRM medical records and to link to secondary care medical records. Additional clinical data relating to medical history, treatment (including ovarian stimulation and embryology) and pregnancy outcome and longer-term health outcomes (in mothers, partners and children) will be obtained from these medical records. Blood samples will be stored and analysed for genetic, metabolomic and epigenetic data. Couples achieving a clinical pregnancy will also be invited to participate in a longer term follow up study (involving clinic visits, biological samples and questionnaires) to collect further data on themselves and their child.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SW/0045
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion