Fetal fornix and hippocampus measurements in early-onset preeclampsia pregnancies
Evaluation of the Fetal Fornix and Hippocampus in Pregnant Women With Early-Onset Preeclampsia
This project will see if fetuses of pregnant women with early-onset preeclampsia have smaller fornix and hippocampus measurements than fetuses of healthy pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Ankara Etlik City Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Yenimahalle) |
| Trial ID | NCT07245056 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center observational study will use fetal imaging to measure fornix and hippocampus dimensions between 20 and 34 weeks' gestation in pregnancies complicated by early-onset preeclampsia and in matched healthy controls. Women meeting inclusion criteria (age 18–45, singleton pregnancy, EOPE) will undergo standardized fetal brain measurements while those with specified comorbidities or fetal anomalies will be excluded. Measurements will be compared between groups to identify differences in hippocampal and fornix size that may reflect altered fetal brain development. The protocol is conducted at a single site with predefined measurement and analysis methods to minimize variability.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Pregnant women aged 18–45 with singleton pregnancies between 20 and 34 weeks' gestation who have a diagnosis of early-onset preeclampsia are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women with multiple pregnancies, chronic medical conditions, fetal congenital or chromosomal anomalies, chronic medication use, tobacco or alcohol use during pregnancy, or those with late-onset preeclampsia (≥34 weeks) are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If results show reduced fetal fornix or hippocampus dimensions in EOPE, it could help identify fetuses at higher risk for later neurodevelopmental issues and guide closer postnatal follow-up.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research links preeclampsia to altered neurodevelopment in offspring, but no studies have specifically measured fetal fornix and hippocampus in early-onset preeclampsia, making this a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 18-45 years * Gestational age between 20 and 34 weeks * Diagnosis of early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) * Singleton pregnancy Exclusion Criteria: * Multiple pregnancies * Presence of chronic or significant comorbid conditions other than maternal early-onset preeclampsia, including: Chronic, mental, or physical illnesses, severe renal, hepatic, or gastrointestinal acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, chronic hypertension, type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), history of malignancy * Fetal congenital or chromosomal anomalies * Chronic medication use * Tobacco or alcohol use during pregnancy * Maternal late-onset preeclampsia (≥34 weeks gestation)
Where this trial is running
Ankara, Yenimahalle
- Ankara Etlik City Hospital — Ankara, Yenimahalle, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Seyit A Erol, MD — Ankara Etlik City Hospital
- Study coordinator: Seyit A Erol, MD
- Email: gyn.aerol@gmail.com
- Phone: +0903127970000
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.