Research Projects


Upcoming

Facial Profile Angle: A pilot project to improve prenatal detection of retrognathia and micrognathia

Principal Investigator: Denise Pugash

Summary: The presence of a severely small chin (micrognathia) in a baby may lead to serious and life-threatening conditions. The milder form, retrognathia, can be seen with syndromes and other significant abnormalities. The existing published methods of measuring chin size are cumbersome and inaccurate.

This study will assess the feasibility of a novel, simple measurement, the “Facial Profile Angle” (FPA), which uses 2D and/or 3D ultrasound scans to measure the angle between the tip of the nose, the upper lip, and the chin. The hypothesis is that a normal range of values can be obtained using the FPA. These values will be compared with images in babies with confirmed abnormalities of chin size. The aim is to obtain a consistent and reliable measurement which avoids false positive diagnoses. Additionally, identifying fetuses with these conditions earlier will help to identify newborns that require extra support at delivery and allow the best possible healthcare outcomes for the child.

Funding: 2023 Perinatal Research Imaging and Evaluation (PRIME) Centre Research Award


In Progress

Placenta, FEtal Brain BLood flow, and Substance Use ExposureS (PEBBLES)

Principal Investigator: Charissa Patricelli

Co-Investigators: Tim Oberlander, Amanda Easton, Robert Rohling, Kenneth I. Lim, Jeff Bone, Wendy Robinson

PRIME Equipment used:

Summary: Canada continues to face a growing opioid epidemic, and women and birthing persons are able to access opioid agonist therapy (OAT), such as methadone, buprenorphine, and slow-release oral morphine at higher rates. The goal of this pilot feasibility study is to gather preliminary data to learn more about opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and pregnancy, including a pregnant person’s placenta and baby. To achieve this goal, 14 participants will be recruited over a one-year period.

Funding: 2023 Perinatal Research Imaging and Evaluation (PRIME) Centre Research Award


Stillbirth Risk Identification Using Multiparametric Ultrasound (STIMULUS)

Principal Investigator: Robert Rohling

Co-Investigators: Farah Deeba, Chantal Mayer, Jefferson Terry, Jennifer Hutcheon, Denise Pugash

PRIME Equipment used:

Summary: Every year, approximately two million babies die in utero. Stillbirths have long-lasting personal and psychological consequences for parents, as well as substantial costs for wider society. Many of these deaths (between 25% and 60%) are classified as unexplained.

STIMULUS aims to reduce stillbirth rates by capturing more detailed ultrasound information from the mother, fetus, and placenta. Researchers will use this information to better understand the quality of fetal and placental tissue and differentiate between healthy pregnancies and pregnancies that may have underlying complications, including stillbirth.

Over the course of the project, the team aims to enroll 440 participants in the STIMULUS project. All participants are recruited through the South Community Birth Program and clinics at BC Women’s Hospital. Participants are asked to complete a maximum of three ultrasounds throughout their pregnancy. All ultrasounds take place at BC Women’s Hospital.

Funding: STIMULUS is one of a team of global performers who were selected for the Welcome Leap In Utero Program.


Completed

Pilot Project to assess the reliability of transabdominal cervical length measurement to screen for short cervix in a Canadian Cohort

Principal Investigator: Christina Nowik

Co-Investigators: Amanda Easton, Chantal Mayer, Kenneth I. Lim, Jennifer Hutcheon


SWAVE-2 Project: (Shear Wave Absolute Vibro-Elastography), studying post-delivery placentas in patients with pre-eclampsia and severe fetal growth restriction. (Terminated early without complete data due to Covid-19 risks and restrictions).

Principal Investigator: Robert Rohling

Project Lead: Farah Deeba

Co-Investigators: Ricky Hu, Jefferson Terry, Denise Pugash, Jennifer A Hutcheon, Chantal Mayer, Septimiu Salcudean


STANDARDIZATION and validation of two methods of MEASUREMENT of the fetal cerebral LATERAL VENTRICLES

Principal Investigator: Amanda Easton

Co-Investigators: Ariadna Fernandez, Arianne Albert

PRIME Equipment used: