MEERKAT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
MRI Examination Enhanced by Realtime Knowledge during the Acquisition Time (Meerkat)– A next generation fetal MRI examination approach
IRAS ID
281479
Contact name
Jana Hutter
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is widely used for the antenatal diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy complications and fetal abnormalities. However, currently, the image quality - and thus ability to accurately and timely diagnose and risks can be hampered by dynamic effects during the scan such as fetal motion, contractions and fetal breathing exercises. The rise in comorbidities such as hypertension and obesity contributes to a rise in pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and fetal growth restriction. It calls as well for a more personalized antenatal diagnosis and treatment. Better and earlier identification of these major risks will help reduce the burden for both mothers and children during and after pregnancy.
We aim to include Doppler Ultrasound (DUS) Information from an MRI compatible DUS and image information in real-time to steer the MRI scan better to safely study the fetus, placenta and surrounding maternal tissues. The information from contractions, movements and fetal breathing exercises gives additional personalized and important information.
We will recruit both healthy pregnant women as controls, women at high-risk for PE (most notably due to chronic hypertension), FGR, preterm birth and with previous uterine surgery.
UKRI funds this research and it will be carried out over a period of 4 years at St. Thomas' Hospital in London on clinical MRI scanners. Participants will be invited for up to four MRI scans during pregnancy and fetal ECG recordings obtained. Their placenta will be analysis after delivery and outcome information obtained.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0742
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion