Ductus Arteriosus Clinical Trial
Official title:
The Role of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus in Predicting Spontaneous Labour at Term
The exact mechanism stimulating the parturition in humans is still relatively unknown. Prostaglandins, by mediating cervical ripening and early stimulation of myometrial contractions, are likely to play a major role in the parturition process. Much of the unique fetal circulation is facilitated by the ductus arteriosus. Patency of the ductus arteriosus in utero is primarily maintained via prostaglandins which are highly expressed by smooth muscle cells located in the media of the ductus arteriosus. The aim of the study is to prospectively observe fetal ultrasound changes related to the ductus arteriosus. The primary objective is to prospectively assess, whether any changes in the fetal ductus arteriosus parameters exist at 40 weeks' gestation. The secondary objective is to investigate whether there is an association between the ductus arteriosus parameters and the time to delivery interval at 40 weeks' gestation.
The rationale is to assess whether physiological responses that occur around the time of
delivery, in both the mother and the fetus (elevated prostaglandins level), can be quantified
using ultrasound of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
Whether or not the DA plays an active physiological role in the initiation of parturition is
still unknown. Since prostaglandins are physiologically highly expressed within the fetal
ductus arteriosus and also linked to some critical steps throughout parturition, it is
hypothesized that structural and doppler flow pattern variations of the ductus arteriosus
exist in the period surrounding the birth. These changes might occur before or after the
intrinsic rise of prostaglandins and could be quantified using prenatal ultrasound of the
fetal DA.
Identifying new physiological based variables that can assist in predicting the onset of
labour, as the one suggested in the current study, is thus of great importance and may
provide invaluable information into the overall future care and decision making during
pregnancy, especially around the time of delivery. It may assist in creating future
recommendations for pregnant women and improved healthcare standards during the delivery
process.
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| Status | Clinical Trial | Phase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Withdrawn |
NCT03073512 -
The Role of Fetal Ductus Arteriosus in Predicting Spontaneous Preterm Birth
|
N/A | |
| Completed |
NCT05922488 -
Effect of Umbilical Cord Milking Versus Clamping in Preterms on Cerebral Oxygenation and Ductus Arteriosus Closure
|
N/A |