Intestinal ultrasound in pregnancy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the role of point of care intestinal ultrasound in the assessment of active disease in pregnancy and response to treatment
IRAS ID
352082
Contact name
Klaartje Kok
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Barts health NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
The treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in pregnancy in challenging. Active disease or flare of inflammation during pregnancy are associated with risk to both mother and baby, including early birth, poor growth of the baby or baby loss. Managing flares in pregnancy can be challenging – one of the reasons is because the investigations to diagnose the flare are often not felt to be acceptable by the mother during pregnancy. Traditional tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography scans (CT) have their limitations in pregnancy due to radiation and contrast. Intestinal ultrasound (iUS) is a non-invasive procedure where ultrasound is used to examine the small and large bowel. The use of iUS to assess IBD patients for flares is increasing in the UK however there is limited experience of its use in pregnancy.
The aim of the study is to understand if iUS is a useful tool to assess for bowel inflammation in pregnancy, and whether patients find it an acceptable investigation to undergo while pregnant. In order to investigate this, the study will aim to recruit pregnant women who attend the joint IBD-Antenatal clinic. With their consent, the patients will undergo an iUS as part of their routine appointment each trimester. The ultrasound findings will also be compared with blood and stool tests performed, to see if they correlate in determining if there is active inflammation. Finally, they will be given a questionnaire to understand their experiences of having the procedure.
Gathering of this information will enable the researchers understand the role of iUS in pregnancy. This can allow it to be widely adapted, which can improve the care for pregnant women with IBD. Earlier, more accurate diagnosis of flares in pregnancy can result in their prompt treatment and reduced risk of harm to the baby and mother.REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SC/0144
Date of REC Opinion
9 May 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion