Finding the causes of non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF)
Uncovering the etiologies of non-immune hydrops fetalis through comprehensive genomic analyses and phenotyping
This project uses genetic sequencing and detailed clinical information to find causes of non-immune hydrops fetalis in affected pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284031 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your pregnancy is affected by non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF), researchers at UCSF will collect medical records, imaging details, and genetic samples from the fetus and parents when possible. They will perform comprehensive genomic testing such as exome sequencing and combine those results with careful physical and prenatal phenotyping. Advanced bioinformatics and variant interpretation will be used to link genetic changes to the fetal findings. The goal is to identify specific diagnoses that can guide targeted prenatal monitoring and postnatal care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people with a fetus diagnosed with non-immune hydrops fetalis who can provide medical records and biological samples for genetic testing are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People whose hydrops has a known non-genetic cause or who are unable or unwilling to provide samples or records may not benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Identifying a genetic cause could allow more focused counseling, targeted prenatal interventions, and earlier postnatal treatments to improve outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work at this center found likely genetic causes in about 29% of unexplained NIHF cases using exome sequencing, so genomic approaches have shown promising but incomplete results.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sparks, Teresa N — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sparks, Teresa N
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 below.