The TABLET trial

[HannahTramaseur]

The TABLET trial is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial which is looking at the role of thyroid antibodies in miscarriage. There is evidence that thyroid antibodies can influence important pregnancy outcomes such as increasing the risk of miscarriage and delivering a baby prematurely. The TABLET Trial is a national study in which all women trying for a pregnancy under the age of 41 are invited to have a blood test to see if they have thyroid antibodies.

We are particularly interested in seeing whether a drug called Levothyroxine reduces the risk of miscarriage in women who have thyroid antibodies even though their thyroid hormones are in the normal range.

The lead researchers are keen to recruit as many women as possible so they can be sure that numbers are big enough to make the eventual results reliable. So if you might be interested in taking part, here’s what you need to know:

Who can take part?

The researchers are recruiting women who:

• are aged 16 – 40

• hope to conceive in the next year or so

• do not have known thyroid disease – and

• are willing to be selected at random to have either the treatment or a placebo, without knowing which they are given.

Where is it taking place?

The following hospitals are currently recruiting patients:

• Birmingham Women’s Hospital

• Birmingham Heartlands Hospital

• City and Sandwell Hospitals

• Ealing Hospital, London

• Liverpool Women’s Hospital

• Ayrshire Crosshouse

• Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry

• St Thomas' Hospital, London

• Guy's Hospital, London

• Kings College Hospital, London

• The James Cook Hospital, Middlesborough

• Wirral Women & Children's Hospital

We will soon be recruiting in St Mary's Manchester, Bart's Hospital London, St Mary's London, Basildon Hospital and Wrightington Hospital Wigan. There is also some limited information on the trial website at birmingham.ac.uk/tablet

If you would like to take part but don’t live near one of these centres, you may still be eligible to join the trial. Please contact the TABLET office at [e-mail]. If you have other questions or concerns about the trial, you can contact Krys Baker TABLET Co-ordinator [e-mail] or TABLET research doctor Rima Dhillon; [e-mail]