Identifying Women at Risk for Placental Dysfunction

PEPPI Study: Identification of Women at Risk for Placental Dysfunction During the First and Third Trimesters of Pregnancy

Observational Oulu University Hospital · NCT06115122

This study is trying to see if a new tool can help identify pregnant women at risk for placental problems by looking at their health information and blood tests.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorOulu University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oulu)
Trial IDNCT06115122 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fetal Medicine Foundation's pre-eclampsia risk calculator by analyzing maternal characteristics, first trimester serum placental growth factor (PlGF), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in a Finnish population. A total of 3000 pregnant women will be recruited during their first maternity care visit, with blood samples collected in the first and third trimesters. Participants will be categorized into risk, control, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) groups based on pre-eclampsia risk calculations. Additionally, ultrasound scans will be performed for certain groups at 30-32 weeks of gestation to monitor pregnancy outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women in their first trimester who understand Finnish and are at least 18 years old.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant, have multiple pregnancies, or do not meet the language or age requirements may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved identification and management of women at risk for placental dysfunction, potentially reducing complications during pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using risk calculators for pre-eclampsia, indicating that this approach has potential based on previous findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Mothers

Inclusion Criteria for PEPPI-study

* Pregnant (first trimester)
* Understands Finnish
* ≥18 years
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

* Multiple pregnancy
* Miscarriage/termination of the index pregnancy
* No first trimester blood sampling

Inclusion Criteria for FERPPI-study

* Participates in PEPPI-study (criteria above)
* Blood samples at first and third trimester of pregnancy
* Permits blood sampling from the umbilical cord when the baby is born

Exclusion Criteria

* No first or third trimester blood sampling
* No umbilical cord blood sample after baby is born

Fathers

Inclusion Criteria

* Biological father to the child born for the mother who participated in PEPPI study
* ≥18 years
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Does not understand Finnish

Children

Inclusion Criteria for PEPPI-study

* Born to mother who participated in PEPPI study
* Signed informed consent from parent(s)

Exclusion Criteria

• No consent from parent(s)

Inclusion Criteria for PEPPI-offspring study • Mother in risk-, control-, or PCOS group during PEPPI-study with ultrasound information at gestational weeks 30-32 or a mother who developed pre-eclampsia during the pregnancy regardless of their study group during PEPPI-study

Exclusion Criteria

• Mother/father declines participation

Inclusion Criteria for FERPPI-study

* Signed informed consent from parent(s)
* Mother has blood samples taken at first and third trimester (iron status)
* Child has blood samples taken at birth and at 3 months of age

Exclusion Criteria

* No consent from parent(s)
* No blood samples from mother
* No blood samples from child

Where this trial is running

Oulu

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.
Conditions Pre-EclampsiaIntrauterine Growth RestrictionPolycystic Ovary SyndromeIron-deficiencyCardiovascular DiseasesHypertensive Disorder of PregnancyProteinuria in Pregnancy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.