Hyperspectral imaging to predict preeclampsia risk
Official title: Systematic Evaluation of Hyperspectral Analysis as a Predictive Marker of Preeclampsia
Run by Heidelberg University · NCT07106294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether a non-contact camera method called hyperspectral imaging can spot early microcirculation changes and help predict which pregnant people will develop preeclampsia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 1430 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Heidelberg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Heidelberg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 21, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07106294 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18 years) with singleton pregnancies who can give written consent and are scheduled for a routine first- or second-trimester ultrasound are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People already diagnosed with preeclampsia at enrollment, those with severe known fetal chromosomal or structural anomalies, or individuals unable to give informed consent or with language barriers are unlikely to benefit from this predictive imaging.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The HIPPA project is a prospective observational study at Heidelberg University Hospital that uses contact-free hyperspectral imaging to visualize peripheral microcirculation and tissue perfusion in pregnant people. Participants with singleton pregnancies who are ≥18 and attending routine first- or second-trimester ultrasound will undergo hyperspectral imaging to capture parameters like capillary hemoglobin oxygen saturation, tissue hemoglobin distribution, and relative tissue water content. Clinical data and pregnancy outcomes will be followed to determine whether imaging patterns precede or predict the later development of preeclampsia. Imaging is non-invasive and measurements will be correlated with standard clinical assessments and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow earlier identification of people at high risk for preeclampsia so they can receive closer monitoring and preventive care.
How similar studies have gone: Hyperspectral imaging has shown promise in other medical fields for assessing microcirculation, but its use for predicting preeclampsia is novel and has not been systematically proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * singleton pregnancies * age ≥ 18 years * patient's ability to provide consent * written informed consent * women scheduled for a routine ultrasound scan in first or second trimester Exclusion Criteria: * lack of consent * language barrier * severe fetal chromosomal/genetic/structural anomalies known at study enrollment * smoking in the last two hours before measurement * diagnosis of preeclampsia at study enrollment
Where it's running
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Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Heidelberg, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dr. med. Alexandra von Au — University Heidelberg
- Study coordinator: Anna S Dr. med. Anna Scholz, MD
- Email: anna.scholz@med.uni-heidelberg.de
- Phone: +49 6221 56 32080
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.