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Abstract #2225

1H MRS as a Biomarker for Placental Insufficiency in the Growth Restricted Fetus

Gillian Macnaught 1 , Scott Semple 1,2 , Calum Gray 1,3 , Mary Simpson 4 , Jane Norman 4 , Jane Walker 5 , and Fiona Denison 4

1 Clinical Research Imaging Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, 2 Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, 3 Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, 4 Tommy's Centre for Maternal and Fetal Health, University of Edinburgh MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, 5 Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Placental insufficiency commonly leads to Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and stillbirth. The current recommendation is to deliver the baby prematurely which is not without risk. We present proton placenta spectra acquired in-utero of 4 FGR and 4 normal pregnancies, acquired on a 3T Siemens Verio MR system using the PRESS technique. Spectra were analysed using JMRUI. The ratios of glutamine and glutamate (Glx) to choline (cho) in the placentas of 4 FGR pregnancies were lower than in their gestation-matched controls. This may provide an in vivo marker of placental function in these difficult to manage cases.

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