PIEPE-GTD Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Psychological Impact of Early Pregnancy Events due to Gestational Trophoblast Disease Study
IRAS ID
297787
Contact name
Tom Bourne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to understand the psychological impact of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) in women and their partners.
GTD is a group of conditions which includes complete or partial molar pregnancy and gestational trophoblast neoplasia (GTN). Molar pregnancy occurs when two sperm fertilise an egg or an 'empty' egg is fertilised by a sperm, resulting in an abnormal pregnancy that cannot develop into a healthy baby. GTN is a rare form of cancer that can develop from molar pregnancy.
The psychological impact of GTD is poorly understood, the limited data suggests high levels of anxiety and depression and we know that rates of psychological disorders, such as PTSD, are as high as 1 in 3 following a non-molar miscarriage. We suspect that women and their partners may be even more psychologically vulnerable following a GTD diagnosis due to the additional complexities: increased physical trauma (heavy bleeding), realisation that their pregnancy is in fact a disease, threat of malignancy and delay in achieving a future desired pregnancy.
The PIEPE-GTD study will recruit both women and their partners at time of registration with Charing Cross GTD service or their first treatment visit. Participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire to assess their mental health and the impact on their lives at three times during their follow up. Demographic and clinical history will also be collected.
This study will provide a deeper understanding of the scale and type of psychological problems and impact on daily life following a GTD diagnosis. The study will provide details of demographic or clinical risk factors associated with worse psychological outcomes. The information gained from this study will be the first step in improving psychological support for women and their partners, ensuring it can be tailored and targeted appropriately.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
21/WS/0135
Date of REC Opinion
1 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion