The PUPPO study

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Pelvic floor ultrasonography in predicting pregnancy-related outcomes.

• IRAS ID

  278312

• Contact name

  Vik Khullar

• Contact email

  vik.khullar@imperial.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Imperial College NHS Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  5 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  TITLE
  Pelvic floor ultrasound in the assessment of pregnancy outcomes.

  SUMMARY
  The utilisation of pelvic floor ultrasonography is a well established imaging modality when outlining the anatomy and dynamic function of the pelvic organs and pelvic floor muscles. In the context of pregnancy, measurements made using ultrasound have been positively correlated to subsequent birth outcomes such as mode of delivery, prediction of vaginal tears and development of vaginal prolapse. Despite these advances, many gaps still exist in our knowledge and it is clear that further, robust data is required in order to assess whether pelvic floor ultrasound can be used as a standard clinical assessment tool in pregnancy.

  Much of the data so far has focussed solely on the anatomy and function of the female pelvis. However there is a sparsity of evidence which focuses both on the pelvis and the baby which is to pass through it. The aim of this study is to investigate whether correlating data gathered from measurements of the female pelvis and her baby is able to predict subsequent birth outcomes. Being able to predict these outcomes antenatally can potentially benefit women as it allows them to make informed decisions about how then choose to give birth.

  The study will last for up to two years and will be conducted within a large teaching hospital. Recruitment will be voluntary and participation in the study will go alongside their usual clinical care. Women will be invited to undergo pelvic floor ultrasound assessment and data gathered from this will be correlated with data obtained from their fatal growth scans.

• REC name

  East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2

• REC reference

  21/ES/0053

• Date of REC Opinion

  12 May 2021

• REC opinion

  Unfavourable Opinion