Using ultrasound to assess abnormalities in women with eclampsia
Point-of-care Ultrasound Abnormalities in Eclampsia - Prevalence and Association Between Pulmonary Interstitial Syndrome and Cardiac Dysfunction, Brain Natriuretic Peptide, and Serum Albumin
This study is testing if using ultrasound can help doctors find problems in pregnant women with eclampsia to improve their care during delivery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Cape Town Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cape Town, Western Cape) |
| Trial ID | NCT05678062 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on women diagnosed with preeclampsia who experience new onset tonic-clonic seizures, known as eclampsia. It aims to utilize point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to identify abnormalities that may complicate anesthesia management during delivery. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of POCUS in providing timely and critical information about the patient's condition, which can influence treatment decisions. By integrating novel markers of severity, such as brain natriuretic peptide, the study seeks to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in this high-risk population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia who have developed new onset seizures.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pulmonary disease, collagen disorders, or a history of seizure disorders are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the safety and effectiveness of anesthesia management in women with eclampsia, potentially reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using point-of-care ultrasound for similar conditions, indicating a potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of preeclampsia following ACOG definition with new onset of tonic-clonic seizures. Exclusion Criteria: * Chronic pulmonary disease * Collagen disorders * HIV infection if CD4 count \<200 cells/ mm3 * Chronic renal or hepatic disease * Urinary tract infection * Sepsis * Body mass index (BMI) \> 50 kg/m2 * History of seizure disorder * Intracranial haemorrhage * History of benign or malignant intracranial neoplasia
Where this trial is running
Cape Town, Western Cape
- Groote Schuur Hospital — Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Robert Dyer, MBChB, PhD — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Robert Dyer, MBChB, PhD
- Email: robert.dyer@uct.ac.za
- Phone: +27214045001
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.