I-test (Open to recruitment) and I-test M (*Now closed to recruitment* )

Investigating blood vessel changes to help predict pregnancy complications.

In the I-Test and I-Test M studies, we are looking for new ways to monitor health in pregnancy.

I-test aims to monitor changes in the blood vessels at the back of the mother/birthing person's eye, to see if this might be a new way of identifying those at risk of pregnancy complications.

In I-Test M, we want to understand more about how changes in the blood vessels in the back of the eye are connected to changes in blood vessels in the rest of the body. This will help us to understand why some individuals develop pregnancy problems such as pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure in pregnancy) and fetal growth restriction (where babies do not grow at a healthy rate inside the womb).

We also hope to explore whether continuous monitoring with wearable or remote devices can pick up early signs of pregnancy complications.

I-test and I-test M introductory video

This study is recruiting participants at 36 weeks of pregnancy (+/- 3 weeks). 
 
We are asking people with healthy pregnancies, as well as those who have developed pregnancy complications, to take part.

You will be invited to attend one study visit during your pregnancy. This will be at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. 
 
During the study visit, we will take photographs of the back of both of your eyes using a specialised camera (similar to a test you may have at a visit to the optician). There is no puff of air and you will be able to drive following the visit. We will also ask if we can take extra blood tests. This is to look for other markers which might predict pregnancy complications. 
 
The visit will take about an hour and you will be reimbursed for your time with a £20 voucher. 

We may contact you again between 6-18 months after the end of your pregnancy, to invite you to a follow-up visit. At this visit we would repeat the non-invasive tests and photographs of the backs of your eyes and collect an additional blood and urine sample. This is to help us understand how blood vessel changes in pregnancy are linked to long-term health.

There is no obligation at all to attend this follow-up if you would prefer not to. We would offer you an additional £10 shopping voucher if you do attend this extra appointment.


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