Impact of HIV and treatments on placental health in pregnant women
Effects of HIV, antiretroviral therapy, and PrEP on placental structure and metabolic function
This study is looking at how the medications used by pregnant women to treat or prevent HIV affect the health of the placenta, and it’s for women who are pregnant and either have HIV or are at risk of getting it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10453670 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how antiretroviral medications (ARVs) used by pregnant women to treat or prevent HIV affect the structure and function of the placenta. It aims to compare the placental health of HIV-infected women on ARVs, HIV-uninfected women on ARVs as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and HIV-uninfected women not taking ARVs. By analyzing placental weight, blood vessel formation, and metabolic function, the study seeks to understand the potential risks associated with ARV use during pregnancy. This information is crucial for improving treatment options for pregnant women at risk of HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who are HIV-infected or at high risk of HIV infection and are considering or currently using ARVs.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who are HIV-negative and not at risk for HIV infection may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer treatment guidelines for pregnant women using ARVs, ultimately improving outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on ARVs in pregnancy, this specific approach comparing different groups is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bebell, Lisa M — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bebell, Lisa M
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.