Assessing Placental Blood Flow in Pregnant Women
Beyond MARS: Magnetic Resonance Study: A Novel Assessment of Placental Perfusion During Pregnancy
This study is testing how blood and oxygen flow in the placenta differs between pregnant women who are obese and those with average weight to see how it affects their pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Endeavor Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Evanston, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06314009 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the flow of oxygen and blood necessary for nutrient transfer across the placenta during the second and third trimesters in women who are obese compared to those with average weight before pregnancy. Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) with arterial spin labeling (ASL), the study aims to identify differences in placental oxygenation and blood flow. Participants will undergo MRI scans in both the second and third trimesters to assess placental perfusion and its implications for pregnancy outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women with singleton pregnancies who are either obese or of average weight before pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients with multifetal gestation, congenital anomalies, or those ineligible for MRI will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of pregnancy complications associated with obesity.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using ASL for placental assessment is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding placental function and its impact on pregnancy outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Singleton pregnancy, less than 24 weeks gestation * Pre-pregnancy BMI between 18.5 - 24.9kg/m2 or ≥30kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * Asthma on controller medication * Autoimmune Conditions * Chronic Hypertension * Claustrophobia * Congenital Anomaly * Pregestational Diabetes * History of Bariatric Surgery * HIV * Ineligible for MRI (incompatible implanted medical device) * Multifetal Gestation * Smoking during pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Evanston, Illinois
- Endeavor Health — Evanston, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Caitlin MacGregor — Endeavor Health
- Study coordinator: Alexandra Mangus
- Email: alexandra.mangus@endeavorhealth.org
- Phone: (847) 570-2243
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.