Clinical Trials
under the direction of Mary Stephenson, MD
Please click on the maroon headings below for an expanded description and inclusion criteria
Gene Changes in Unexplained Recurrent Early Pregnancy Loss
The purpose of this study is to learn more about the possible cause(s) of miscarriage. Even with thorough evaluation and testing, the reasons for a miscarriage can only be determined in about 60% of cases. By performing a more powerful test on the genetic material (inherited substances responsible for our unique characteristics) from miscarriage tissue, we expect to find changes in some samples that are not detected by the testing routinely done on this tissue. We also expect that studying changes in miscarriage tissue found by this newer method and comparing them to changes that may be found in the parents’ genetic material, will lead to a greater understanding of why some pregnancies do not progress.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Secondary Recurrent Miscarriage: A Randomized Controlled Trial Closed to enrolling new subjects
Recurrent miscarriage is a prevalent reproductive problem that affects many couples who are trying to establish a family. The University of Chicago and Dr. Mary Stephenson are conducting a clinical study to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in improving the live birth rate in couples who suffer from secondary recurrent miscarriage.
Inherited Genes in Primary Recurrent Miscarriage
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.
Pharmacokinetics of Low Molecular Weight and Unfractionated Heparin in Pregnancy
Some women with a history of pregnancy loss are also at risk for developing blood clots in pregnancy ( a condition called thrombophilia). A thrombophilia can be acquired, specifically antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), or inherited. The standard treatment in pregnancy is heparin and low dose aspirin, in some cases. The University of Chicago and Dr. Mary Stephenson are conducting a clinical study to further clarify the best doses of heparin that are advisable for use in treating this problem in pregnancy.
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are associated with problems in pregnancy. It is not known why these problems occur or how they can be prevented. The University of Chicago and Dr. Mary Stephenson, as well as other investigators at seven other major clinical centers around the U.S. and Canada, are conducting a clinical study to learn more.
The University of Chicago Reproductive Loss Project (RLP)
Reproductive loss is a prevalent health problem that affects many couples trying to establish a family. Reproductive loss includes recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), recurrent in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure and fetal demise (FD). There are many unanswered questions in regard to factors and management of reproductive loss. This project involves collection of information, and blood and urine samples from women and their partners with a history of reproductive loss which will be used for future research in reproductive loss.
Eligible individuals seen at the University of Chicago’s Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program will be asked to participate in this project.