NIH-funded research R21 grant

Using ultrasound to assess placental structure in preeclampsia

Official title: Quantitative Ultrasound for Assessment of Placental Structure During the Development of Preeclampsia

Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10790437 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new, gentle ultrasound method to check the placenta's health during pregnancy, especially for women who might develop preeclampsia, to help doctors spot any issues early and improve care for moms and babies.

More Ultrasound research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTulane University of Louisiana
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Orleans, United States)
Project startSeptember 22, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$442,550
NIH project number1R21HD114007-01
Project IDNIH-10790437 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are at risk for developing preeclampsia or have been diagnosed with the condition.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have any risk factors for preeclampsia may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a new ultrasound technique to evaluate the structure of the placenta during pregnancy, particularly in women at risk for preeclampsia. By utilizing quantitative ultrasound (QUS), the study seeks to identify changes in placental tissue that may indicate abnormal development. The approach is non-invasive and aims to provide real-time assessments, which could lead to better monitoring and outcomes for pregnant women. The research will involve both laboratory studies and animal models to validate the ultrasound methods.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved detection and management of preeclampsia, enhancing maternal and fetal health outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for assessing placental health, suggesting that this approach could be a valuable addition to existing methods.

Where this research is happening

  • Tulane University of Louisiana
    New Orleans, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bayer, Carolyn Louise — Tulane University of Louisiana
  • Study coordinator: Bayer, Carolyn Louise

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.