Clinical Research Directory

Study of Placental Vascularization Using Contrast Ultrasound

Preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are two principal complications of pregnancy. These diseases are related to placental dysfunction nevertheless knowledge of its pathophysiological mechanisms remains inadequate. No etiological treatment for these pathologies is available. Inducing birth is the only way to prevent the occurrence of these complications (such as fetal death in utero. Therefore, a better understanding of placental vascularization under pathological and physiological conditions is necessary. This placental vascularization evolves throughout gestation. Histological studies have improved our knowledge of placental vascular pathologies; however, these are ex vivo data that only provide an incomplete reflection of placental function. In vivo placental studies are therefore essential to understand the mechanisms of placental perfusion. Currently, these studies are limited because the available tools (such as placental Doppler) do not allow for the separate study of maternal placental flow from fetal flow. However, histological evidence clearly establishes maternal placental vascular involvement in IUGR. It would therefore be interesting to study maternal and fetal placental vascularization separately. The development of new in vivo imaging exploration techniques will help to better understand placental pathologies. In obstetrics, CES would offer the opportunity to study in vivo placental vascularization in a segmented manner (maternal versus fetal side independently) since the microbubbles do not cross the placental barrier. Animal studies show no toxic effects on fetal development nor any crossing of the placental barrier. In humans, the innovative use of this contrast agent has allowed for a better understanding of placental vascularization in the first trimester of pregnancy.

The Combined First Trimester Screening

The project is a national, prospective, multicenter pilot project. The project is focus on setting up the combined first trimester screening in the Czech Republic. The combined first trimester screening is aimed at predicting and detecting the most serious obstetric complications, such as the great obstetrical syndromes (preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor and intrauterine fetal demise "IUFD") and structural congenital defects (morphological and chromosomal). The primary objective of the project is to create a unified methodology for performing and evaluating the combined first trimester screening in connection with the National Health Information System (hereinafter referred to as "NHIS"), which will enable recording, providing analysis and linking recorded clinical parameters with data in the NHIS. The pilot project will also provide data for modeling appropriate mechanisms for reimbursement from public health insurance.

Investigating the Structured Use of Ultrasound Scanning for Fetal Growth

Fetal growth restriction during pregnancy represents one of the biggest risk factors for stillbirth (Gardosi et al, 2013), with 'about one in three term, normally formed antepartum stillbirths are related to abnormalities of fetal growth' (MBRRACE, 2015). Therefore, antenatal detection of growth restricted babies is vital in order to be able to monitor and decide the appropriate delivery timing. However, antenatal detection of SGA babies has been poor, varying greatly across trusts in England in those that calculate their rates (NHS England, 2016). Most trusts do not calculate their detection rates and rates are therefore unknown. It is estimated that routine NHS care detects only 1 in 4 growth restricted babies (Smith, 2015). Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the Oxford Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) has introduced a clinical care pathway (the Oxford Growth Restriction Pathway (OxGRIP)) designed to increase the rates of detection of these at risk babies. The pathway is intended to increase the identification of babies who are at risk of stillbirth, in order to try to prevent this outcome, whilst making best usage of resources, and restricting inequitable practice and unnecessary obstetric intervention. It has been developed with reference to a body of research, however, the individual parts of care provided have not been put together in a pathway in this manner before. Therefore it is important to examine whether the pathway meets its goals of improving outcomes for babies in a 'real world' setting. The principles of the pathway are 1. A universal routine scan at 36 weeks gestation. 2. Additional growth scans at 28 and 32 weeks gestation based on a simplified assessment of risk factors and universal uterine artery Doppler at 20 weeks gestation. 3. Assessment of further parameters other than estimated fetal weight associated with adverse perinatal outcome (eg growth velocity, umbilical artery Doppler and CPR). The clinical data routinely collected as a result of the introduction of the pathway offers a valuable and unique resource in identifying and analysing in the effects of the pathway on its intended outcomes and also in investigating and analysing other maternal, fetal and neonatal complications and outcomes, establishing normal / reference ranges for ultrasound values.

Relationship of DV Doppler Parameters to Perinatal Outcomes in IUGR vs Non-IUGR

This observational study investigates whether blood flow in the ductus venosus, a small fetal vein measured by Doppler ultrasound, is related to pregnancy outcomes. A total of pregnant women with and without intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) will be examined between 24 and 37 weeks of gestation. Ductus venosus Doppler parameters will be recorded and compared with perinatal outcomes such as Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and perinatal mortality. The aim of this research is to improve the early identification of high-risk pregnancies and to support better monitoring and management strategies for fetal health.

AI-POCUS for Maternal and Neonatal Health in Ethiopia

Maternal and neonatal health remains one of the most pressing global health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Ethiopia continues to face a high burden, with maternal mortality estimated at 195 per 100,000 live births, neonatal mortality at 27 per 1,000 live births, and perinatal mortality rates ranging from 37‰ to 124‰ depending on the level of care. These outcomes remain substantially higher than the targets set under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all pregnant women receive at least one ultrasound scan before 24 weeks of gestation, yet nearly two-thirds of women worldwide-especially in LMICs-lack access to this service. Barriers include high costs of ultrasound machines, limited technical expertise, and shortages of skilled sonographers in rural primary care. Artificial Intelligence-driven Point-of-Care Ultrasound (AI-POCUS) represents a promising innovation to expand prenatal imaging in resource-constrained settings by equipping frontline health workers with AI-supported diagnostic capabilities. This study, conducted under the Tsinghua University BRIGHT (Bringing Research to Impact for Global Health at Tsinghua) program, will evaluate the clinical effectiveness, feasibility, cost, and scalability of AI-POCUS in rural Ethiopia. A three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial will compare two AI-enabled ultrasound technologies-BabyChecker (Netherlands) and a China-developed AI-POCUS device-against standard antenatal care without ultrasound. Findings will generate robust clinical and policy-relevant evidence to guide the sustainable implementation of AI-enabled maternal health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Maternal Left Lateral Position in Fetal Growth Restriction

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if maternal left-lateral positioning in pregnancy works to treat fetal growth restriction. This study will also help us learn about the effects of left-lateral positioning on maternal metabolomics, maternal mental health, fetal cardiac function, and delivery outcomes. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does maternal left-lateral position in a pregnancy with fetal growth restriction improve the baby's growth? * How are maternal metabolomics, delivery outcomes, maternal mental health, and fetal cardiac function impacted by maternal left-lateral position? Researchers will compare the intervention group to pregnancies with fetal growth restriction that receive standard of care (without left-lateral positioning) to see if left-lateral position improves fetal biometry in fetal growth restriction. Participants will: * Practice left-lateral position every day for 4 hours (cumulatively) with 10-mins stretching after every hour of left-lateral position, or continue to receive standard of care * Visit the clinic once after 4 weeks for a follow-up research visit, and at the time of delivery Tracking of the physical activity and adherence to left-lateral position at home in intervention group A will be done through a fitbit (smart watch) given during enrollment. A fitbit will also be given to participants in intervention group B, receiving standard of care, to monitor their physical activity trends at home.

L-ArGinine to pRevent advErse prEgnancy Outcomes (AGREE)

There are few safe, effective, and affordable interventions to improve pregnancy outcomes in low resource settings where the highest rates of poor birth outcomes occur. L-citrulline is naturally found in many foods and is changed into another important amino acid, L-arginine, in the body. L-arginine is important for the growth of a healthy placenta and healthy baby. Adding L-citrulline to the diets of pregnant women may be an effective and affordable way to improve the health of their babies.The goal of the AGREE trial is to test whether a dietary supplement containing a common food component, an amino acid called L-citrulline, can help pregnant Kenyan women at risk of malaria have healthier pregnancies and healthier babies. 2,960 pregnant Kenyan women will be enrolled and randomly assigned to take either a twice daily dietary supplement containing L-citrulline or a placebo supplement without additional L-citrulline. Maternal participants will be seen every month until delivery and at weeks 1 and 6 after birth. Infants will also be followed up at ages 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome of the study is 'adverse pregnancy outcome', a composite of foetal loss (miscarriage or still birth), preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age or neonatal mortality. The results of the AGREE trial could help to guide obstetric and public health policy and provide a sustainable solution that could be implemented at the community level.

Prostaglandins Versus Trans-cervical Balloon for Induction of Labor in Fetal Growth Restriction (PROBIN)

The goal of this randomized trial is to compare two methods of induction in a fetal growth restriction population. The main question it aims to answer is: • Is trans-cervical balloon superior to prostaglandins in reducing the cesarean section rate, without increasing neonatal morbidity? Participants will have an induction of labour by cervical ripening with trans-cervical balloon in the trans-cervical balloon catheter arm and with Prostaglandins in the Misoprostol arm. Researchers will compare two methods of induction: trans-cervical balloon and prostaglandins to see if trans-cervical balloon is associated with a lower risk of cesarean delivery.

USCOM in Newly Diagnosed FGR Cases

The purpose of this research study is to study the use of an ultrasound measurement system (USCOM) for patients with newly diagnosed fetal growth restriction (FGR). This system uses a technology to measure how much blood is being pumped in and out of the heart, which is important for understanding the heart's function in relation to pregnancy.

Pregnancy in GUCH Patients

This study aims to investigate the impact of congenital heart diseases on maternal and foetal-neonatal health, the effect of pregnancy on maternal cardiac health, and the outcome of newborns/children born from Grown-Up Congenital Heart (GUCH) mothers with follow-up at one year, extendable to two. The main question it aims to answer is: -Does maternal congenital heart disease affects outcomes of newborn?

Role of Inflammatory Markers and Doppler Parameters in Late-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction: A Machine Learning Approach

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a serious complication in pregnancy that can lead to various adverse outcomes. It's classified into early-onset (before 32 weeks) and late-onset (after 32 weeks), with late-onset associated with long-term risks like hypoxemia and developmental delays. The study focuses on the role of inflammation in FGR, introducing new blood markers for better understanding and diagnosis. It also addresses the challenges of using advanced diagnostic tools in low-resource settings and explores the use of machine learning to predict FGR based on inflammatory markers, highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence in overcoming these challenges.

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography as a Tool for Early Diagnosis of Impaired Fetal Growth Twin Pregnancies

In this project there are 2 time points during the pregnancy included, namely at 21 weeks and 30 weeks of gestation, to measure the predictive values of FGR, strain and strain rate. The fetal growth parameters will be collected at the same time points, to define the growth (differences) throughout gestation of both fetuses. A maternal blood sample will be taken at 21 weeks of gestation to identify the level of exposure to air pollution (black carbon) and the level of biochemical markers of placental dysfunction. Doppler ultrasounds will be used for antenatal identification of placenta insufficiency. At birth, umbilical cord blood and the placenta will be collected. The placenta will be examined, to identify morphological findings which are associated with FGR. The umbilical cord blood and placental biopsy will be used for the level of exposure to air pollution and the level of oxidative stress. One to three days after birth, neonatal strain and strain rate will be measured to define postnatal cardiac remodeling as well as the neonatal blood pressure as cardiovascular risk factor.