Investigating how viral infections cause chronic inflammation in the placenta

Viral pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory lesions of the placenta

['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-10893993

This study is looking at how viral infections might cause long-lasting inflammation in the placenta, which can lead to early births and growth issues in babies, and it’s for pregnant women who want to help researchers understand these problems better to improve health for moms and their little ones.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10893993 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of viral infections in causing chronic inflammation in the placenta, which is linked to preterm birth and growth restrictions in infants. Researchers will analyze placental tissue from pregnant women to identify viral infections and inflammatory responses associated with chronic placental inflammation. Additionally, maternal blood samples will be tested to find signals that could predict the development of this inflammation. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these conditions to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women experiencing complications such as preterm birth or intrauterine growth restriction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without complications related to preterm birth or placental inflammation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for preterm birth and related complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of infections in pregnancy can lead to significant advancements in maternal and child health, suggesting this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Bacterial Infections

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.