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I have developed a computational MRI model of placental function that estimates the level of oxygen in the baby’s blood. The model also gives a marker of placental function (called the PFI) that reflects the proportion of the placenta that is working efficiently.
I have published work showing lower blood oxygen levels and lower PFI in pregnancies with small babies compared to normally grown babies. I have also shown that the PFI of small babies is linked to their gestational age at birth.
I now want to:
Investigate these markers further to find out if they continue to be relevant in a larger group of patients
Investigate how the markers correspond to microscopic placental examination post-delivery
Improve clinical understanding of the baby’s adaptation to low oxygen levels by imaging other organs
I will then be able to assess the usefulness of MRI in diagnosing and managing the health of small babies in the womb.
This research will be performed by recruiting women referred to a specialist clinic at University College London Hospital (UCLH) Fetal Medicine Unit because their baby is small. They will undergo detailed ultrasound imaging and have one MRI scan. Data will be collected from their ongoing clinical care and will include:
Ultrasound scan measures
Pregnancy complications
Delivery information
Post-delivery placental examination
This research will enhance our understanding of the MRI signal in the placentas and organs of small babies. It will show how these signals relate to placental disease and pregnancy outcome. It will develop imaging markers of placental function.
This will improve our ability to diagnose how well the placenta is functioning in the womb, and how this is impacting the baby’s health.