Inherited Genes in Primary Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
This trial is supported by the National Institutes of Health
Study Summary
Recurrent pregnancy loss is a prevalent health problem that affects many couples trying to establish a family. Preliminary evidence suggests that an increased sharing of genes (inherited substances responsible for our unique characteristics) among family members may impact the outcome of pregnancy. Further evidence is needed to determine whether increased sharing of certain genes is associated with pregnancy loss.
The purpose of this study is to examine the possible associations between various levels of shared genes among family members as a contributing factor in patients with a history of pregnancy loss.
Women who have been evaluated by Dr. Stephenson at the University of Chicago’s Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program for a history of recurrent pregnancy loss will be asked to participate prior to pregnancy and until 6 months after pregnancy. Research bloods will be obtained up to 8 times. Cord blood and/or miscarriage tissue will be used, as well as mouthwash samples from the participant’s partner and parents.
The benefits of participating in this trial include contributing to medical research designed to answer some very important questions about inherited factors and recurrent pregnancy loss.
Participation Details
Inclusion criteria for the study include:
- No successful prior pregnancies
- 3 or more consecutive, unexplained miscarriages conceived with the same partner; or, 2 consecutive miscarriages if chromosome testing was performed on one of the miscarriages and the results were normal