Oxford study on the corpus luteum and placental health in early pregnancy
Official title: Oxford Luteal Dysfunction and Placental Insufficiency Study
Run by University of Oxford · NCT07072052 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This observational study tests whether markers from the corpus luteum in early pregnancy can help predict who will develop preeclampsia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oxford) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 23, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07072052 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women with a pregnancy under 8 weeks gestation planning to deliver at Oxford University Hospitals.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants without the specific prognostic markers identified may not see a direct benefit beyond standard care.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study follows pregnant people in early gestation to explore how signals from the corpus luteum and early placentation relate to later preeclampsia risk. No experimental treatment is given. Researchers will analyze hormonal and biochemical markers, placental development, and pregnancy outcomes to identify potential prognostic indicators. The study builds on known roles of progesterone and luteal function in implantation and placental formation. Results could help improve risk stratification and timing of preventive care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could improve early prediction of preeclampsia and guide targeted monitoring or interventions for high-risk pregnancies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has linked early progesterone and luteal function to pregnancy outcomes, but this specific CL-placentation focus in early pregnancy is an area of ongoing investigation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Participant is willing and able to give written informed consent for participation in the study.
* Female, aged 16 years or above. As in vitro fertilisation is not undertaken in women younger than 18 years, those with pregnancies resulting from natural cycle frozen embryo transfer will be aged 18 years or above.
* Pregnancy \<8 completed weeks of gestation (i.e., up to 7 weeks and 6 days' gestation).
* Conception through any of the following means: unassisted ("natural"), ovulation induction (with clomifene citrate, letrozole or gonadotropin injections, including trigger injection), intrauterine insemination (with or without ovulation induction, including trigger injection), or natural cycle frozen embryo transfer.
* Intrauterine viable pregnancy confirmed on research ultrasound scan.
* Intention to deliver at Oxford University Hospitals.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unable to read, or to understand written or spoken English.
* Vaginal bleeding at first visit.
* Miscarriage at first visit, defined as fetal crown-rump length of 7 mm or longer with no visible heartbeat, OR gestational sac with a mean of 25 mm or greater in diameter with no visible fetal pole on ultrasonography.
* Evidence of ectopic pregnancy at first visit.
* Multiple pregnancy.
* Uterine pathology (e.g., uterine polyp, fibroid, septate uterus, uterus didelphys, bicornuate uterus, unicornuate uterus).
* Fresh in vitro fertilisation.
* Donor oocyte in vitro fertilisation.
* Frozen embryo transfer using hormone replacement therapy for endometrial preparation.
* Participation in any concurrent trials of medicinal products in pregnancy.
Where it's running
-
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pedro Melo, MD PhD MRCOG — Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health
- Study coordinator: Pedro Melo, MD PhD MRCOG
- Email: pedro.melo@wrh.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: 01865 221021
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.