Examining placental edge thickness to predict preterm birth in placenta accreta

The Correlation of the Lower Placental Edge Thickness in Relation to Gestational Age at Delivery by Using Ultrasonography in Patients With Placenta Previa Accreta; A Prospective Cohort Study

Ain Shams University · NCT06248385

This study is testing if measuring the thickness of the lower edge of the placenta with an ultrasound can help predict the risk of early cesarean delivery in pregnant women with placenta previa accreta.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorAin Shams University (other)
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06248385 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the correlation between lower placental edge thickness measured by ultrasound and gestational age at delivery in pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa accreta. By assessing the thickness of the lower placental edge, the researchers hope to predict the risk of emergency preterm cesarean delivery. Eligible participants will undergo a comprehensive assessment, including detailed medical history and clinical examinations, to ensure accurate data collection. The study will utilize 2D ultrasound as the primary intervention to gather necessary measurements.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women with a confirmed diagnosis of placenta previa accreta between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation.

Not a fit: Patients with maternal medical co-morbidities such as diabetes or hypertension, or those with fetal anomalies, will likely not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help predict emergency preterm births in patients with placenta previa accreta, potentially improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of correlating placental edge thickness with delivery outcomes is promising, it remains to be seen if similar studies have demonstrated success, as this specific correlation is not widely tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Single, viable gestations. Gestational age \>28 weeks, \< 36 weeks.

Confirmed diagnosis of placenta previa accreta when the placenta lies directly over the internal os based on ultrasound features among RCOG criteria as follows) RCOG,2019):

2D greyscale signs: loss of myometrial interface or retroplacental clear space, reduced myometrial thickness, intra-placental blood flow and intra-placental lacunae.

2D color Doppler signs: intra-placental blood flow, the presence of altered blood flow in the retroplacental space and aberrant vessels crossing between placental surfaces.

First time of diagnosis of placenta previa accreta is 28-30 weeks. Previous one or more cesarean sections.

Exclusion Criteria:

Maternal medical co-morbidities like diabetes and hypertension. Patients with bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy. Over distended uterus e.g.: multiple gestation, polyhydramnios, fetal macrosomia(\>4.5kg).

Fetal anomalies or fetal growth restriction. Emergency cesarean section due to fetal distress. Rupture of membranes, intra-amniotic infection and fever during admission (\>38 °C).

History of cervical cerclage or cervical cone biopsy.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Placenta Accreta, Placental edge thickness, Preterm delivery

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.