B Mode Ultrasound Microstructure of the Preterm Cervix

描述(由申请者提供)：该研究项目将开发和测试一种新的超声方法，以评估与分娩中宫颈成熟有关的宫颈胶原/液体含量。目前对早产超声宫颈长度的研究表明，早产会导致宫颈结构的改变。这些变化，包括消失、漏斗和扩张，在早产过程很晚的时候可以用超声波检测到，那时几乎没有什么办法可以阻止早产。在分娩过程中，宫颈的结构会随着软化而变化；宫颈的水分含量更多，胶原含量也会改变。目前还没有一种方法来量化宫颈中胶原蛋白和液体的含量。有了增强的B型成像，超声波非侵入性地进入宫颈的微结构将成为可能。这项技术已经被用于其他应用。该研究计划分为两个阶段：超声组织特异性衰减的发展，以及将初步结果与动物模型的组织标本相关联的后向散射技术。我的博士后工作将评估三组女性的宫颈变化：非分娩、足月分娩和早产，使用新技术。这项研究的长期目标是使用这种非侵入性超声技术早期识别有早产风险的妇女。这项技术对产科研究人员和临床医生有许多潜在的用途。对宫颈成熟和早产过程中宫颈的微观结构知之甚少。非侵入性地获取这些信息将大大增加这种知识，并有可能改善对有早产风险的妇女的护理。

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.