Pre-eclampsia prevention by timed birth at term 2: a randomised trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Preeclampsia prevention by timed birth at term 2 (PREVENT-2): a randomised trial
IRAS ID
357773
Contact name
Kypros Nicolaides
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
Pre-eclampsia is a medical condition that develops in about 4-5% of pregnancies. It is characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine or abnormal blood tests. Pre-eclampsia can lead to serious complications for the mother and the baby. At 35-36 weeks of pregnancy, all women in our unit are offered an ultrasound scan of the baby. At this time, women can be given their personal chance of developing pre-eclampsia. Previous research in our unit has shown planned birth at 37-40 weeks for those at highest risk of developing pre-eclampsia may reduce incidence of pre-eclampsia by up to 30%, but we do not know best time for planned earlier term birth to take place in order to get the best outcomes for both mother and baby.
We are carrying out a study to determine whether management based on risk of term pre-eclampsia, including planned birth at 39 weeks if at higher risk (up to 1 in 100), can reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia and avoid its’ associated complications.
•One group of women will be managed as usual, with a 35-36 week scan, and routine antenatal visits until they give birth.
•The other group of women will have screening for pre-eclampsia risk at the time of their 35-36 week scan, and their management and timing of birth will be planned to minimise the chance of developing pre-eclampsia. Those at high risk (≥1 in 100) will have timed birth at 39 weeks gestation. Those at highest risk (≥1 in 5) will also have enhanced monitoring of blood pressure and growth of the baby until they give birth.REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
25/SS/0067
Date of REC Opinion
16 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion