"Revolutionary Ultrasound Method Predicts Premature Birth Risk at 23 Weeks
Researchers at the University of Illinois have unveiled a groundbreaking ultrasound method capable of predicting the risk of premature birth as early as 23 weeks into pregnancy. This innovation, borne out of over two decades of collaboration between nursing and engineering researchers, focuses on measuring microstructural changes in the cervix.
The existing method relies heavily on a woman's history of premature births, posing challenges in assessing risk during first-time pregnancies. This new research offers a promising solution by identifying and addressing premature birth risks in the early stages.
Lead author Barbara McFarlin, a professor emeritus of nursing at UIC, explains, 'Today, clinicians wait for signs and symptoms of a preterm birth,' such as a ruptured membrane. 'Our technique would help make decisions based on the tissue, not just symptoms.'
In a study involving 429 women at the University of Illinois Hospital, the new ultrasound method effectively predicted the risk of preterm births in first-time pregnancies. Combining data from quantitative ultrasound with delivery history proved more effective for subsequent pregnancies than relying solely on records.
Unlike traditional ultrasounds, this new method analyzes radio frequency data to determine tissue characteristics. Initiated in 2001, the research addresses a gap in understanding cervix appearance differences in preterm women, introducing a quantifiable approach to the field.
Over 22 years, nursing researcher Barbara McFarlin collaborated with Bill O'Brien, an electrical and computer engineering professor at UIUC. Together, they discovered that quantitative ultrasound could detect changes in the cervix and predict the risk of preterm delivery.
Given that preterm birth affects 10-15% of pregnancies, the lack of early assessment tools has been a significant challenge. Knowing the risk at 23 weeks could prompt extra monitoring by clinicians, and the study opens the door to exploring interventions that may help prevent or delay preterm birth.
This groundbreaking study underscores the transformative potential of ultrasound technology in predicting the risk of preterm births. The collaboration between nursing and engineering researchers highlights the effectiveness of quantitative ultrasound, setting the stage for future investigations into proactive measures for maternal and fetal well-being."