Predictors of adverse outcome in pregnancy (Dr Lawrence Impey)
PROJECT TITLE
Predictors of adverse outcome in pregnancy
Supervisors
Dr Lawrence Impey
Description of project
The successful applicant would join the OxGRIP research group in the Fetal Medicine Dept of OUH and the WRH Dept of the university.
Perinatal mortality and morbidity remains a serious problem even in countries with advanced healthcare systems. The UK is thought to have higher rates than many economically similar countries and the area is a focus of multiple initiatives.
Adverse fetal outcome in pregnancy is multifactorial; even for outcomes of an apparently common origin (eg placental dysfunction) there are multiple, partly independent risk factors. These are poorly understood and are used in a largely qualitative fashion to assess risk. Risk assessment is crucial to target intervention to those in need, whilst avoiding intervention in normal pregnancies. The current imprecision leads to a poor sensitivity for adverse outcomes and a low specificity. Intervention is expensive, usually unwanted and may lead to other adverse outcomes (eg caesarean section) and where unwarranted may cause currently unmeasured long term harm (eg low IQ).
The project will utilize existing data on >40 000 pregnancies that has merged demographic, ultrasound, pregnancy and neonatal outcome variables. The ultrasound data contains routine data collected at set points including in the third trimester.
The successful applicant(s) will be involved in project predicting adverse outcomes or examining the importance of individual risk factors.
TRAINiNG OPPORTUNITIES
- Research training including in methodology and where appropriate/ applicable, statistical methodology
- Research supervision by experienced researchers
- Clinical exposure to and training in complex pregnancy problems if appropriate
- Ultrasound exposure and training if appropriate
Funding
No available funding.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this research degree, please click here.