MRI scans to measure placental blood flow and oxygen delivery
Development and validation of MR imaging methods for in vivo assessment of placental perfusion and oxygen transport
The team will use new MRI techniques to measure how well the placenta delivers blood and oxygen to babies before birth for pregnant people at risk of placental problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307623 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will use advanced MRI scans that combine several imaging methods and computer models to look at blood flow and oxygen in the placenta from the patient's point of view. The methods will be tested and validated in pregnant nonhuman primates and then refined for use in people, building on earlier promising clinical work. The approach aims to separate maternal and fetal placental circulation so clinicians can detect when a baby may not be getting enough oxygen. If successful, these scans could help doctors decide when earlier delivery is needed to prevent harm.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people with suspected placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, abnormal fetal monitoring, or other signs of poor placental function would be the most likely candidates for these scans.
Not a fit: People whose pregnancy issues are unrelated to placental blood flow, those very early in the first trimester, or those who cannot undergo MRI (for example, due to incompatible implants) may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable earlier and more accurate detection of placental insufficiency and fetal oxygen shortage, helping clinicians decide timely interventions to protect the baby.
How similar studies have performed: Early clinical and animal-model work has shown promise in distinguishing maternal versus fetal placental circulation, but full clinical validation of these combined MRI methods is still novel.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Victoria Hj — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Victoria Hj
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.