Overview
The FIRST-CARE Study is a prospective research project conducted at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Barcelona, Spain), aimed at better understanding the causes and consequences of first-trimester pregnancy loss (miscarriage).
Miscarriage is a common event that affects about 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies and can have both physical and emotional consequences for women and their partners. However, many questions about its causes remain unanswered, and most women do not receive a clear explanation or personalized support after experiencing a loss.
This study will include 225 women who have experienced a miscarriage during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Two groups will be studied: those who have had a miscarriage for the first time and those with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (defined as two or more previous miscarriages). The aim is to investigate a wide range of possible causes - including genetic, hormonal, immune, cardiovascular, placental, and psychological factors - in order to improve diagnosis and develop more personalized care strategies.
Participants will undergo a comprehensive evaluation including ultrasound, blood tests, genetic testing, and psychological assessments. In some cases, their partners will also be invited to participate. Women will be followed for one year to assess their mental well-being and reproductive outcomes, such as the chance of getting pregnant again and the outcome of future pregnancies.
The study will also create a biobank of biological samples to support future research in the field of pregnancy loss.
By combining clinical evaluations, laboratory tests, and personal experiences, this study aims to uncover new insights into why miscarriages happen and how to better support women and couples going through this experience. The ultimate goal is to provide better diagnostic tools, care pathways, and support systems to reduce the emotional burden of miscarriage and improve reproductive health outcomes.
Description
Background and Rationale Miscarriage, or early pregnancy loss, is the most common complication of pregnancy, affecting approximately 15% of clinically recognized gestations. However, this percentage is likely underestimated, as many early losses occur before the pregnancy is even detected by ultrasound. Miscarriage is often considered a sporadic event, but in many cases it can be the first sign of underlying health issues that affect maternal, paternal, or embryonic health.
Despite its frequency, miscarriage remains poorly understood and inconsistently investigated. Women experiencing early pregnancy loss often receive no clear explanation, no thorough assessment, and no tailored follow-up or support. In recurrent cases (recurrent pregnancy loss, RPL), the diagnostic work-up is limited and typically reserved for women who have had at least two or three losses. This approach leaves many women without answers and without the opportunity to benefit from early intervention or support.
Miscarriage also carries significant emotional and psychological consequences, which are often underestimated. Research has shown associations between miscarriage and depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and even long-term health risks, including cardiovascular disease. Addressing miscarriage as both a biological and psychosocial condition is critical to improving patient care and outcomes.
Study Aim
The FIRST-CARE Study (First Trimester Comprehensive Assessment and Reproductive Evaluation) is a prospective, single-center cohort study designed to investigate the biological, clinical, and psychological dimensions of first-trimester miscarriage. The study aims to:
- Identify preventable or treatable causes of early pregnancy loss.
- Characterize maternal and paternal health factors involved in miscarriage.
- Understand the emotional impact and mental health consequences of miscarriage.
- Develop tailored diagnostic and management strategies based on biological pathways and patient needs.
Study Population
The study will enroll 225 women with a diagnosis of first-trimester missed miscarriage (up to 14 weeks gestation), divided into two groups:
- Group A: 150 women experiencing their first miscarriage.
- Group B: 75 women with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (≥2 miscarriages).
Exclusion criteria include multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, and molar pregnancy. Male partners will also be invited to participate in selected assessments.
Study Procedures
Participants will undergo a comprehensive evaluation consisting of the following components:
- Genetic Testing of Pregnancy Loss
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for karyotyping, microarray, and QF-PCR of products of conception.
Fetal cell-free DNA analysis from maternal blood to assess chromosomal abnormalities in cases where CVS is not feasible.
Evaluation of test performance and genetic diagnostic yield by gestational age and recurrence status. 2. Maternal Health Assessment
Detailed obstetric and gynecological history.
Gynecological ultrasound (2D/3D) and uterine artery Doppler.
Measurement of angiogenic markers (PlGF, sFlt-1) and cardiovascular indicators (NT-proBNP).
Endocrinological testing: thyroid function, insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, Vitamin D levels, progesterone.
Immunological testing: antiphospholipid antibodies, thyroid antibodies, ANA, lymphocyte populations, KIR/HLA compatibility, GDF-15. 3. Paternal Evaluation
Age, BMI, medical comorbidities, lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, diet, exercise).
Semen analysis.
4. Psychological and Social Assessment
Evaluation of depressive symptoms (EPDS), grief (Perinatal Grief Scale), PTSD (PCL-5), quality of life (SF-36), coping strategies (COPE-28), and social support (MSPSS).
Assessment of stigma, self-compassion, and experiential avoidance. Qualitative interviews conducted by a psychologist and midwife to understand the lived experience of miscarriage and care needs.
Biological Sample Collection
- Maternal and paternal blood, chorionic villi, urine, vaginal and rectal swabs for future research.
- All samples will be stored in a biobank following participant consent.
Follow-Up and Outcomes
Participants will be followed up for one year to evaluate:
Psychological recovery and well-being. Subsequent reproductive outcomes, including new pregnancies and their outcomes (e.g., preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth).
Comparative prevalence of biological factors in first vs. recurrent loss.
Follow-up visits include:
Psychological assessment at 1 month and 1 year post-loss. Clinical and laboratory assessments at 6-12 weeks post-loss. Data on future pregnancies will be collected throughout the year following enrollment.
Expected Results and Impact
The FIRST-CARE Study is designed to fill several critical gaps in the current understanding and management of early pregnancy loss:
- From the First Loss: By including women at the first miscarriage, the study will explore whether biological differences exist between first and recurrent losses and assess whether earlier interventions could reduce recurrence and long-term morbidity.
- Comprehensive Assessment: The study goes beyond standard protocols by incorporating advanced genetic, immunological, and placental markers, many of which are not routinely evaluated in clinical practice.
- Biological Pathways: Investigating the interactions between maternal, paternal, and placental factors will help elucidate the underlying pathophysiology of miscarriage and support the development of individualized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
- Psychological and Social Support: Assessing mental health and psychosocial stressors will inform the design of better counseling strategies and highlight the importance of emotional support in miscarriage care.
Ethics and Confidentiality The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. All participants will provide written informed consent. Data will be coded, stored securely, and handled according to the General Data Protection Regulation (EU 2016/679) and Spanish data protection laws. Only anonymized data will be used in scientific publications and presentations.
The procedures involved in the study are considered low-risk and are either standard of care or non-invasive. Chorionic villus sampling will be offered only after appropriate counseling and consent. Participants will be offered the option to receive their results, and their clinical care will not be altered by study participation.
Data Analysis and Statistical Approach Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Multivariate models will be developed to identify predictive factors for miscarriage and assess the relationship between clinical variables and outcomes. In addition, advanced statistical techniques such as Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) will be used to explore complex interactions among biological variables.
Dissemination and Future Perspectives The findings of the FIRST-CARE Study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences in reproductive medicine and women's health. A biobank of samples will be created to support future investigations. The study will also contribute to national and international clinical guidelines on the evaluation and care of early pregnancy loss.
Ultimately, this research aims to change the clinical approach to miscarriage, promote earlier and more compassionate care, reduce recurrence, and empower women and couples with knowledge and support during one of the most challenging experiences in reproductive life.
Eligibility
Female participants:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Women aged 18 years or older.
- Diagnosis of missed miscarriage in the first trimester (\<14 weeks of gestation) confirmed by ultrasound.
- Presence of an intrauterine pregnancy with fetal demise (clinical pregnancy loss).
- Willing and able to provide written informed consent.
- Ability to understand and complete study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Multiple pregnancy (twins or more).
- Ectopic pregnancy.
- Molar pregnancy (complete or partial hydatidiform mole).
- Ongoing pregnancy with fetal cardiac activity.
- Inability or unwillingness to comply with study procedures or follow-up.
Male participants: no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria will apply to male partners, since the main inclusion criteria is a clinical pregnancy loss.