New ultrasound technique could spot placental problems early

NCT ID NCT02884297

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether a special ultrasound with a contrast agent (SonoVue®) can measure blood flow in the placenta during the first three months of pregnancy. Fifty-five women who had already decided to end their pregnancy took part. The goal was to see if this method works better than standard ultrasound for checking placental health.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

SonoVue® (sulfur hexafluoride contrast agent)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a new way to measure placental blood flow early in pregnancy, potentially helping to detect problems like preeclampsia or growth restriction.

What could go wrong

This is a small feasibility study in women already scheduled for termination, so results may not apply to ongoing pregnancies. The contrast agent also carries rare risks like allergic reactions.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHRU de NANCY

    Nancy, 54511, France

  • Chr Metz Thionville

    Metz, 57085, France