Trial Information

Summary: Gene Changes in Unexplained Recurrent 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.

Couples evaluated by Dr. Stephenson at the University of Chicago’s Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program for a history of pregnancy loss will be asked to participate if routine testing of their miscarriage tissue has shown a normal result. Permission will be sought to allow re-testing of the genetic material from miscarriage tissue using a newer, more powerful technology. If this re-test finds changes in the miscarriage tissue, we will send genetic material from the couple for similar testing, to determine whether either also carries this change.

The benefits of participating in this study 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:

• At least two unexplained, consecutive miscarriages of less than 21 weeks with the same partner
• Normal chromosome test result for most recent miscarriage
• Other reasons for recurrent early pregnancy loss have been ruled out
• Both parents able to undergo testing

Study Director: Mary D. Stephenson, MD, MSc
Department: Obstetrics and Gynecology

For more information,

This site is run by CenterWatch, a publishing company that focuses on the clinical trials industry. The information provided in this service is designed to help patients find clinical trials that may be of interest to them, and to help patients contact the centers conducting the research. CenterWatch is neither promoting this research nor involved in conducting any of these trials.

Trial listings updated: September 10, 2008 at 2:41:27 PM