Evaluating cervical tissue strength using advanced ultrasound techniques
Official title: Assessment of Uterine Cervical Insufficiency using 4D Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-10988513 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to check the strength of the cervix in pregnant women who might be at risk for complications, using a special type of ultrasound to help doctors better understand how to support healthy pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD114095-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988513 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced cervical insufficiency or mid-trimester pregnancy loss and are seeking to understand their cervical health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without a history of cervical insufficiency may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates cervical insufficiency, a condition where the cervix cannot support a pregnancy during the second trimester. It aims to develop a new diagnostic approach using 4D contrast-enhanced ultrasound to assess the strength of cervical tissue, which is currently difficult to measure objectively. By analyzing the collagen content and cellular structure of cervical tissue, the study seeks to identify weaknesses that could lead to pregnancy complications. This innovative method may provide critical insights into cervical function before pregnancy, potentially improving outcomes for at-risk patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools for identifying women at risk of cervical insufficiency, ultimately improving pregnancy outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that assessing collagen content in cervical tissue can provide valuable insights, suggesting that this approach may yield successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nam, Kibo — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Nam, Kibo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.