Using hyperspectral imaging to assess endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia
Official title: Systematic Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction as a Prognostic Marker for Outcomes in Women With Preeclampsia
Run by Heidelberg University · NCT06912477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special imaging technique can help doctors see how blood vessel function changes in pregnant women with preeclampsia to better understand the risks for both mom and baby.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 385 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Heidelberg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Heidelberg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06912477 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are women with singleton pregnancies who are 18 years or older and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe fetal anomalies or those unable to provide consent, including those with language barriers or certain skin types, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the use of hyperspectral imaging as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder. It aims to evaluate the changes in endothelial and vascular function associated with preeclampsia, which can lead to severe complications for both mother and fetus. The study will involve women with singleton pregnancies who are at least 18 years old and able to provide informed consent. By utilizing non-invasive hyperspectral imaging, the researchers hope to identify microcirculatory disturbances that may persist postpartum and contribute to long-term cardiovascular risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new non-invasive method for early diagnosis and risk assessment of cardiovascular complications in women with a history of preeclampsia.
How similar studies have gone: While hyperspectral imaging has not been previously studied in the context of preeclampsia, its application in other medical fields has shown promise, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
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 Exclusion Criteria: * Lack of consent * Language barrier * Dark to very dark skin type * Severe fetal chromosomal/genetic/structural anomalies * Laboratory changes in LDH, creatinine, or platelets due to other causes (e.g., isolated thrombocytopenia, e.g., immune thrombocytopenia, carcinoma)
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: Dr. med. Anna Scholz
- Email: anna.scholz@med.uni-heidelberg.de
- Phone: +49 6221 56 32080
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Preeclampsia and normal pregnancy: retinal microcirculation using OCTA
This study tests retinal blood flow in pregnant people with preeclampsia compared to healthy pregnant people using OCTA imaging.
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Endothelial Biomarkers in Pregnancy: Endothelial Extracellular Vesicles and Hypertensive Disorders
This study tests whether endothelial extracellular vesicles in the blood differ between normotensive pregnant women and those with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
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Maternal insulin and fat metabolism in pregnancies at risk for preeclampsia and gestational diabetes
This project will try to see if insulin resistance and how the body burns fats early in pregnancy predict later preeclampsia or gestational diabetes in people at higher risk.
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Origins, features, and effects of preeclampsia on mother and baby
This project will follow pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia through late pregnancy, delivery, and early postpartum to collect clinical data and biological samples to see how preeclampsia affects mothers and their babies.
-
National first-trimester screening program to prevent preeclampsia in Denmark
This program will try a new first-trimester screening for pregnant women with a single pregnancy in Denmark to find those at high risk of preeclampsia and offer early prevention such as low-dose aspirin.
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.