University of Birmingham contribute to groundbreaking ectopic pregnancy trial
A drug is being developed which could prevent women with ectopic pregnancies from needing emergency surgery
Last updated 6th Sep 2024
The University of Birmingham are assisting with research which could prevent women with ectopic pregnancies from needing emergency surgery.
Dr Andrea Woolner, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, is leading the trial which hopes to prevent up to 30% of women experiencing ectopic pregnancies from needing surgery.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo starts to grow outside of the uterus, often in one of the Fallopian tubes. This results in surgery being required when the Fallopian tube grows due to risk of internal bleeding.
Around one in 80 pregnancies are ectopic.
The trial will take place in collaboration with the Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, a charity which supports women through their ectopic pregnancies. The trust's CEO, Munira Oza, hopes that the involvement of institutions across the country will raise awareness.
“Ectopic pregnancy is a very intense ordeal. If women or people affected are able to exercise a degree of choice over their treatment options then that can give them the sense of being in control which can help their emotional wellbeing and recovery.”
The trial of the drug mifepristone will involve the recruitment of women who are eligible for medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy across 40 early pregnancy units in the UK.
Catherine MacLennan, founder of the Vilomah Foundation, which supports women in Birmingham who have experienced pregnancy loss, says the drug would make recovery easier.
"Not having to have surgery means there would be no need for physical healing. Many who have had to have surgery mourn the loss of their Fallopian tube and have increased anxiety in relation to their fertility and being able to conceive again."
The trial is due to start later this year across the country and results are expected in 2027.
For support on the issues raised in this article, please visit http://www.ectopic.org.uk/.