This application requests funding for a project to improve maternal fetal healthcare using retinal pictures called optical coherence tomography angiography. Pregnancy is a complex process that can lead to complications such as preterm birth and preeclampsia. Preterm birth occurs in about 1 out of 10 pregnancies and is increasing due to increasing rates of in vitro fertilization, advanced maternal age, and multiple gestations. Preeclampsia, occurring in about 5-8% of all pregnancies, is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality throughout the world. This study will image pregnant women with optical coherence tomography angiography throughout pregnancy and then follow them until after the completion of pregnancy. The study hypothesizes that there will be early findings on retinal imaging that will be able to predict late-term pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and preeclampsia. We will maximize recruitment and retention by utilizing a large high-volume clinic in an academic center and placing a camera on site. Through the completion of this research, we hope to develop a way to better monitor high risk pregnancies and enable the study of early interventions.

Public Health Relevance

Pregnancy is a complex process that can lead to physiologic changes as well as complications such as preterm birth and preeclampsia. This study aims to use pictures of the retina to generate normative pregnancy curves as well as to predict which pregnancies will develop perinatal complications. Success of this endeavor would allow better prediction and monitoring of high-risk pregnancies.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21EY030295-01A1
Application #
9896654
Study Section
Diseases and Pathophysiology of the Visual System Study Section (DPVS)
Program Officer
Shen, Grace L
Project Start
2020-02-01
Project End
2022-01-31
Budget Start
2020-02-01
Budget End
2021-01-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Ophthalmology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
092530369
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095