RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Hyperspectral Imaging for Prediction of Preeclampsia

This study, called HIPPA, is investigating a new, gentle scanning technique called "hyperspectral imaging." This scan looks at the tiny blood vessels in the skin without touching you, to see how blood flows. Doctors believe that problems with these tiny vessels might show up before pre-eclampsia, a serious blood pressure condition during pregnancy, even before other signs appear. The researchers want to find out if this new scan can help doctors predict who might develop pre-eclampsia. By spotting it earlier, they hope to improve care for pregnant women and their babies. It's an observational study, meaning you'll be scanned, but no new treatments are given.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Heidelberg University

Enrolment target

1,430

Start

21 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2027

Preeclampsia (PE) Risk Preeclampsia

What is this study about?

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that can happen in pregnancy, causing high blood pressure and affecting organs like the kidneys and liver. It can develop quickly and can be risky for both the mother and the baby. Doctors know that a key part of pre-eclampsia involves changes in the body's small blood vessels, called microcirculation. These changes can even start before pre-eclampsia is diagnosed and sometimes last after the baby is born.

Currently, there isn't a good test that specifically looks at these small blood vessel changes to predict pre-eclampsia. This study is testing a new type of scan called "hyperspectral imaging." It's a bit like a special camera that can see how much oxygen is in your tiny blood vessels and how blood flows, without touching you. It's already used in other areas of medicine, and now researchers want to see if it can help predict pre-eclampsia.

The HIPPA project aims to see if this new, gentle scan can spot early changes in these small blood vessels that might indicate a woman is at risk of developing pre-eclampsia. The goal is to provide doctors with a new tool to identify at-risk women sooner, allowing for more personalised care and better outcomes for mother and baby.

Key takeaways

This study uses a new, gentle scan to try and predict pre-eclampsia.
It looks at tiny blood vessels in your skin without touching you.
The goal is to help doctors spot pre-eclampsia risk earlier.
Participation involves a simple, painless scan during a regular appointment.
There are no risks and you won't receive new treatments from the study.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be pregnant with one baby and be at least 18 years old. You must also be able to understand the study and agree to take part in writing.

You will be invited to participate during one of your routine ultrasound scans in the first or second trimester of your pregnancy.

There are also some reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you already have a pre-eclampsia diagnosis when the study starts, or if there are known serious problems with the baby. Smoking in the two hours before a measurement also means you can't participate in that specific part of the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you pregnant with one baby?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Can you understand and sign a consent form in English?
Are you attending a routine ultrasound in your first or second trimester?
Have you *not* been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia already?
Have you avoided smoking in the last two hours before your appointment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have a special, gentle scan called hyperspectral imaging. This scan is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't touch your skin and doesn't involve any needles or injections. It's like a special camera that measures things like oxygen levels in your small blood vessels. You'll have an initial scan during your routine first or second trimester ultrasound appointment. There are no medications involved in this study, and no long-term follow-up beyond the standard care you receive during your pregnancy.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is helping researchers understand if this new scanning technology can predict pre-eclampsia, which could eventually improve care for future pregnant women. There are no known risks associated with the hyperspectral imaging scan itself, as it is non-invasive and painless. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Verified postcode
Heidelberg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition during pregnancy where you develop high blood pressure and other problems, which can affect your organs and your baby.

What is hyperspectral imaging?

It's a special, gentle camera that looks at tiny blood vessels in your skin to see how blood flows and how much oxygen is there, without touching you.

Is this scan safe for me and my baby?

Yes, the hyperspectral imaging scan is non-invasive and completely safe. It doesn't involve radiation or any contact with your body.

Will I get treatment in this study?

No, this is an observational study, meaning researchers are just gathering information. You won't receive any new treatments as part of this study.

How long will my involvement last?

You'll have a scan during one of your routine pregnancy appointments, and that will be the main part of your involvement. There's no ongoing participation after that.

How to find out more

Anna S Dr. med. Anna Scholz, MD

anna.scholz@med.uni-heidelberg.de +49 6221 56 32080 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.