B Mode Ultrasound Microstructure of the Preterm Cervix

早产子宫颈的 B 型超声显微结构

• 批准号: 6650113
• 负责人: BARBARA L MCFARLIN
• 金额: $ 2.68万
• 依托单位: UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 财政年份: 2003
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2003-09-17 至 2007-09-16
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/6650113
• 关键词: bioimaging /biomedical imaging; body water; cervix; collagen; histology; laboratory rat; noninvasive diagnosis; nursing research; predoctoral investigator; premature labor; ultrasonography

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The program of study will develop and test a new method of ultrasound to evaluate collagen/fluid content in the cervix associated with cervical ripening in labor. Current studies of ultrasound cervical length in preterm labor have demonstrated structural changes in the cervix as a result of preterm labor. These changes, which include effacement, funneling, and dilation, are detectable with ultrasound quite late in the process, when there is little that can be done to halt preterm labor. In labor, the structure of the cervix changes as it softens; it has more water content and the collagen content changes. Presently there is not a method to quantify the collagen and fluid content in the cervix. With enhanced B-Mode imaging, ultrasound non-invasive access to the microstructure of the cervix would be possible. This technology has already been used in other applications. The research proposal has two phases: the development of the ultrasound tissue-specific attenuation, and back scattering technology correlating the initial results with histological specimens from animal models. My post-doctoral work will evaluate cervical changes in three groups of women: non-laboring, term labor, and preterm labor, with the new technology. The long-term goal of this research trajectory is the early identification of women at risk for preterm labor using this non-invasive ultrasound technique. This technology has many potential uses for investigators and clinicians in obstetrics. Little is known about the microstructure of the cervix in the process of cervical ripening and preterm labor. Non-invasive access to this information would greatly add to this knowledge and has the potential to improve the care of women at risk of preterm labor.

描述（由申请人提供）：该研究计划将开发和测试一种新的超声波方法，以评估与分娩时宫颈成熟相关的宫颈中的胶原蛋白/液体含量。目前对早产中超声宫颈长度的研究表明，早产会导致宫颈结构发生变化。这些变化，包括消失、漏斗和扩张，可以在产程后期用超声波检测到，此时几乎无法阻止早产。在分娩过程中，子宫颈的结构会随着软化而发生变化。它含有更多的水分，并且胶原蛋白含量发生变化。目前还没有一种方法可以量化子宫颈中的胶原蛋白和液体含量。通过增强的 B 模式成像，超声非侵入性地了解子宫颈的微观结构将成为可能。该技术已在其他应用中使用。该研究计划分为两个阶段：开发超声组织特异性衰减，以及将初步结果与动物模型的组织学标本相关联的反向散射技术。我的博士后工作将利用新技术评估三组女性的宫颈变化：非临产、足月临产和早产。这项研究的长期目标是利用这种非侵入性超声技术早期识别有早产风险的女性。这项技术对于产科研究人员和临床医生有许多潜在用途。对于宫颈成熟和早产过程中宫颈的微观结构知之甚少。以非侵入方式获取这些信息将极大地丰富这方面的知识，并有可能改善对有早产风险的妇女的护理。