Investigating better ways to monitor fetal health to prevent brain injury in newborns
Maternal Antecedents and Electronic Fetal Monitoring in Term Asphyxia (MAESTRA)
This study is working on better ways to monitor babies during labor to help spot those at risk for serious brain problems, so that doctors can take action quickly and improve the chances of a healthy outcome for newborns.
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-11089303 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) techniques to better identify fetuses at risk for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a serious condition that can lead to brain damage or cerebral palsy. The study aims to analyze large datasets of EFM signals to develop more accurate methods for assessing fetal oxygenation and detecting potential issues during labor. By enhancing the predictive capabilities of EFM, the research seeks to provide timely interventions that could prevent HIE and its associated complications. Patients may benefit from improved monitoring techniques that could lead to better outcomes for newborns.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals at term who are undergoing labor and delivery.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those delivering preterm infants may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of brain injuries in newborns by improving fetal monitoring and timely interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that advancements in fetal monitoring techniques can lead to improved outcomes, but this specific approach is novel and aims to address existing limitations.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Yvonne W — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wu, Yvonne W
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.