PREDICT - PAS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Machine-learning PREDICTion of the development and progression of Placenta Accreta Spectrum disorder using imaging and total RNA biomarkers
IRAS ID
332095
Contact name
Lucy Wibmer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
During pregnancy, the placenta grows inside the womb, alongside the baby. In some cases, the placenta grows into or even through the muscle of the womb. It can also invade nearby structures like the bladder, bowel, or blood vessels. This occurs in approximately 1 in 300 to 1 in 2,000 women, making placenta delivery difficult. This condition is known as placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).
PAS is typically diagnosed late in pregnancy, with up to half of cases only being discovered at delivery. This delay can harm both mother and baby. There is currently no test to detect PAS earlier in pregnancy.
Our research will involve three groups of women: (1) Women currently pregnant or who have delivered a baby within the last two years with a diagnosis of PAS (2) Pregnant women at risk of developing PAS but who do not yet have it, and (3) Pregnant women with no risk of PAS. We will study blood, placental samples and scan findings from 25 women in each group.
The goal is to see if blood tests, combined with scan results can help diagnose PAS earlier in pregnancy and predict its severity. Early detection would ensure women receive the proper care in the right hospital, which is vital for their safety.
We will analyse blood and placental samples for RNA markers, which are copies of DNA that form the building blocks of our body. Combining these findings with scan data, we aim to develop a model that can (1) Detect PAS in the first three months of pregnancy, and (2) Predict how severe the condition will become. This will mean that women will get the right care earlier. They will have their baby in the right place. They will be less likely to come to harm at the time of delivery.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0826
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion