NCT07422181 PlaCEUS: Feasibility Study of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound to Visualize Maternal Uterine Spiral Arteries Postpartum.
| NCT ID | NCT07422181 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Maxima Medical Center |
| Condition | Spiral Arteries |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 5 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-12-17 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-06-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 5 participants in total. It began in 2025-12-17 with a primary completion date of 2026-06-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
During pregnancy, unique blood vessels form within the uterine wall, known as spiral arteries. These vessels originate from the uterine artery, which is the main artery supplying blood to the uterus. Throughout pregnancy, spiral arteries undergo significant changes to increase blood and oxygen flow to the placenta, ensuring the developing baby receives adequate nutrients. When these arteries fail to remodel properly, complications such as pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction can occur. Until now, direct observation and evaluation of spiral arteries during pregnancy has not been feasible. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound may provide a breakthrough in this area. In this study, the investigators aim to use this imaging technique to visualize spiral arteries after the placenta has been delivered. If successful, this could allow to assess their structural quality. Additionally, the investigators will employ ultrasound to monitor physiological changes in the uterine artery during late pregnancy (after 37 weeks), during labour, and postpartum. By conducting these measurements, the investigators hope to develop methods for detecting spiral artery abnormalities earlier in pregnancy. Early identification could enable timely interventions and help prevent severe complications.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pregnant patient at a minimum age of 18 years * Singleton pregnancy at term (≥37 weeks gestation) * Planning to deliver at the Máxima Medical Centre * Able to provide informed consent * Intravenous access present at the time of delivery Exclusion Criteria: * Multiple gestation pregnancy * Contra-indications to CEUS, e.g. known allergy for constituents of SonoVue™ * Planning on breastfeeding * Medical emergency during or after delivery, which makes CEUS impossible or undesirable * No intravenous access present at the time of delivery * Body Mass Index \>40 kg/m2. * Pre-eclampsia requiring medication * Foetal growth restriction \< p3
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07422181 clinical trial?
This trial is open to female participants only, aged 18 Years or older, studying Spiral Arteries. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07422181 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07422181 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at e.dekker@mmc.nl for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07422181 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Veldhoven, Netherlands.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07422181 clinical trial?
NCT07422181 is sponsored by Maxima Medical Center. The trial plans to enroll 5 participants.