Placental ThicknessNCT07467148
Placental Thickness -To-Fetal Weight Ratio as a Predictor of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
An observational study of Placental Thickness and PLACENTA VOLUME, run by Radia Atef Elzokm.
Trial summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate the placental thickness-to-fetal weight ratio as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 45 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Placental Thickness, PLACENTA VOLUME
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2026to 1 Dec 2029
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 45 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Study population: Hospital
Who may be able to join
- a. Inclusion criteria: Singleton pregnancy. Gestational age between 28-38 weeks. Mothers willing to participate and provide informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets,etc.) Known congenital fetal anomalies Maternal chronic medical conditions affecting fetal growth (e.g pre-existing diabetes, hypertension, renal disease) Intrauterine fetal demise Inability or refusal to provide informed consent
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
The aim of this study is to evaluate the placental thickness-to-fetal weight ratio as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Read the detailed description
The placenta is a vital organ that ensures normal fetal growth and development throughout pregnancy by mediating the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and essential hormones between the mother and the fetus (1). Any structural or functional abnormality of the placenta can adversely affect fetal growth and pregnancy outcome, highlighting the importance of placental assessment in antenatal care (2).
Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, fetal distress, and perinatal mortality, remain major contributors to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of high-risk pregnancies allows timely interventions, closer surveillance, and improved perinatal outcomes (3). However, advances in ultrasonography and antenatal care, reliable, non-invasive, and easily measurable predictors of adverse outcomes are still limited (4).
Ultrasonographic evaluation of placental morphology has emerged as a practical, non-invasive, and widely accessible method to assess placental health. Among the various parameters, placental thickness reflects placental growth, maturation, and potentially its functional capacity, correlating with gestational age and fetal weight in normal pregnancies. Abnormal placental thickness either decreased or increased has been associated with maternal and fetal pathological conditions (5).
A thin placenta is frequently linked to preeclampsia, IUGR, and chorioamnionitis, whereas a thick placenta defined as more than 3 cm before 20 weeks of gestation and greater than 5 cm at term is observed in Rh-negative pregnancies, gestational diabetes mellitus, and intrauterine infections, particularly primary maternal cytomegalovirus infection (6). Placentomegaly may also be associated with fetal anemia or hromosomal abnormalities such as triploidy, and may result from inflammation, edema, or compensatory hypertrophy secondary to placental insufficiency (7).
Maternal disorders often affect both the fetus and the placenta, making abnormal placental growth a potential marker for impaired fetal growth and adverse neonatal outcomes. Nevertheless, the predictive value of placental thickness alone remains uncertain (8).
Given its simplicity, reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness, ultrasonographic measurement of placental thickness and particularly the placental thickness-to-fetal weight ratio may provide a valuable tool for early detection of high-risk pregnancies. This could allow obstetricians to implement timely interventions, optimize delivery planning, and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes (9). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the placental thickness-to-fetal weight ratio as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Conditions
- Placental Thickness, PLACENTA VOLUME
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The rate of occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including IUGR, preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal distress, NICU admission, or perinatal mortality
Correlation of placental thickness-to-fetal weight ratio with individual adverse pregnancy outcomes
Measured: From aug 2026 to aug 2029
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Aug 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Dec 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Placental ThicknessStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Radia Atef Elzokm
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Radia Atef Elzokm, Assiut University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07467148
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P. Thickness to fetal weight
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 12 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
1.Burton GJ and Jauniaux E. The human placenta: new perspectives on its formation and function during early pregnancy. Proc Biol Sci. 2023;290(13):202-8. 2. Aye IL, Tong S, Charnock-Jones DS and Smith GC. The human placenta and its role in reproductive outcomes revisited. Physiol Rev. 2025;12(2):25-30. 3. Patel SY, Akileswaran C and Basu S. Early detection of high risk pregnancies using clinical and social data to improve health outcomes. npj Digit Public Health. 2026;10(1):3-10. 4. Wang X, Xiao F and Li J. Intrapartum ultrasound monitoring in second-stage Labor: Impact on delivery outcomes. J Radiat Res Appl Sci. 2025;18(4):105-10. 5. Farahbod F, Zarean E, Khanjani S, Moezzi M, Mohammadizadeh F and Shabanian S. Relationship between placental thickness, grading, and heterogeneity in fetal growth restriction in the third trimester of pregnancy by ultrasonography and pathology tests and their relationship with estimated fetal weight and neonatal outcome. Immunopathol Persa. 2023;10(2):39471-6. 6. Li H, Cheng W, Wen J, Peng J, Wu S, Zhao Y, et al. Clinical analysis of prophylactic uterine artery embolization combined with double balloon catheter for second-trimester pregnancy termination in cases of complete placenta previa: A retrospective study. Medicine. 2023;102(47):362-9. 7. Redline RW, Roberts DJ, Parast MM, Ernst LM, Morgan TK, Greene MF, et al. Placental pathology is necessary to understand common pregnancy complications and achieve an improved taxonomy of obstetrical disease. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2023;228(2):187-202. 8. Manna C, Lacconi V, Rizzo G, De Lorenzo A and Massimiani M. Placental dysfunction in assisted reproductive pregnancies: perinatal, neonatal and adult life outcomes. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(2):659-62. 9. Chow LY, Williams EE, Patel D-S and Battersby C. Perinatal optimisation: the role of the multi-disciplinary team. OB-GYN 2025;22(1):25-30. 10. Lwanga SK, Lemeshow S. Sample size determination in health studies: a practical manual. Geneva: World H
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Placental Thickness -To-Fetal Weight Ratio as a Predictor of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07467148
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- P. Thickness to fetal weight
- Conditions
- Placental Thickness, PLACENTA VOLUME
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Radia Atef ElzokmUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2029 (estimated)
- First posted
- 12 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the placental thickness-to-fetal weight ratio as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Detailed description
The placenta is a vital organ that ensures normal fetal growth and development throughout pregnancy by mediating the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and essential hormones between the mother and the fetus (1). Any structural or functional abnormality of the placenta can adversely affect fetal growth and pregnancy outcome, highlighting the importance of placental assessment in antenatal care (2).
Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, fetal distress, and perinatal mortality, remain major contributors to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of high-risk pregnancies allows timely interventions, closer surveillance, and improved perinatal outcomes (3). However, advances in ultrasonography and antenatal care, reliable, non-invasive, and easily measurable predictors of adverse outcomes are still limited (4).
Ultrasonographic evaluation of placental morphology has emerged as a practical, non-invasive, and widely accessible method to assess placental health. Among the various parameters, placental thickness reflects placental growth, maturation, and potentially its functional capacity, correlating with gestational age and fetal weight in normal pregnancies. Abnormal placental thickness either decreased or increased has been associated with maternal and fetal pathological conditions (5).
A thin placenta is frequently linked to preeclampsia, IUGR, and chorioamnionitis, whereas a thick placenta defined as more than 3 cm before 20 weeks of gestation and greater than 5 cm at term is observed in Rh-negative pregnancies, gestational diabetes mellitus, and intrauterine infections, particularly primary maternal cytomegalovirus infection (6). Placentomegaly may also be associated with fetal anemia or hromosomal abnormalities such as triploidy, and may result from inflammation, edema, or compensatory hypertrophy secondary to placental insufficiency (7).
Maternal disorders often affect both the fetus and the placenta, making abnormal placental growth a potential marker for impaired fetal growth and adverse neonatal outcomes. Nevertheless, the predictive value of placental thickness alone remains uncertain (8).
Given its simplicity, reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness, ultrasonographic measurement of placental thickness and particularly the placental thickness-to-fetal weight ratio may provide a valuable tool for early detection of high-risk pregnancies. This could allow obstetricians to implement timely interventions, optimize delivery planning, and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes (9). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the placental thickness-to-fetal weight ratio as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Hospital
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- a. Inclusion criteria: Singleton pregnancy. Gestational age between 28-38 weeks. Mothers willing to participate and provide informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets,etc.) Known congenital fetal anomalies Maternal chronic medical conditions affecting fetal growth (e.g pre-existing diabetes, hypertension, renal disease) Intrauterine fetal demise Inability or refusal to provide informed consent
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
The rate of occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including IUGR, preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal distress, NICU admission, or perinatal mortality
Time frame: From aug 2026 to aug 2029
Correlation of placental thickness-to-fetal weight ratio with individual adverse pregnancy outcomes
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Mar 2026.
- Results publication1.Burton GJ and Jauniaux E. The human placenta: new perspectives on its formation and function during early pregnancy. Proc Biol Sci. 2023;290(13):202-8. 2. Aye IL, Tong S, Charnock-Jones DS and Smith GC. The human placenta and its role in reproductive outcomes revisited. Physiol Rev. 2025;12(2):25-30. 3. Patel SY, Akileswaran C and Basu S. Early detection of high risk pregnancies using clinical and social data to improve health outcomes. npj Digit Public Health. 2026;10(1):3-10. 4. Wang X, Xiao F and Li J. Intrapartum ultrasound monitoring in second-stage Labor: Impact on delivery outcomes. J Radiat Res Appl Sci. 2025;18(4):105-10. 5. Farahbod F, Zarean E, Khanjani S, Moezzi M, Mohammadizadeh F and Shabanian S. Relationship between placental thickness, grading, and heterogeneity in fetal growth restriction in the third trimester of pregnancy by ultrasonography and pathology tests and their relationship with estimated fetal weight and neonatal outcome. Immunopathol Persa. 2023;10(2):39471-6. 6. Li H, Cheng W, Wen J, Peng J, Wu S, Zhao Y, et al. Clinical analysis of prophylactic uterine artery embolization combined with double balloon catheter for second-trimester pregnancy termination in cases of complete placenta previa: A retrospective study. Medicine. 2023;102(47):362-9. 7. Redline RW, Roberts DJ, Parast MM, Ernst LM, Morgan TK, Greene MF, et al. Placental pathology is necessary to understand common pregnancy complications and achieve an improved taxonomy of obstetrical disease. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2023;228(2):187-202. 8. Manna C, Lacconi V, Rizzo G, De Lorenzo A and Massimiani M. Placental dysfunction in assisted reproductive pregnancies: perinatal, neonatal and adult life outcomes. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(2):659-62. 9. Chow LY, Williams EE, Patel D-S and Battersby C. Perinatal optimisation: the role of the multi-disciplinary team. OB-GYN 2025;22(1):25-30. 10. Lwanga SK, Lemeshow S. Sample size determination in health studies: a practical manual. Geneva: World H
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Placental Thickness and PLACENTA VOLUME, run by Radia Atef Elzokm.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Radia Atef Elzokm, Resident doctor (01202170497, saraatef52222@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The rate of occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including IUGR, preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal distress, NICU admission, or perinatal mortality (time frame: From aug 2026 to aug 2029). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07467148, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Mar 2026.