Prevention and treatment of iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes

Given the relevance of iatrogenic PPROM we aim to address this complication of fetal interventions by identifying patients that have an increased risk for iatrogenic PPROM, we will further explore preventive options and we will investigate the reliability of a rabbit model of oligohydramnios induced pulmonary hypoplasia.

Therefore this PhD thesis contains 3 major scientific objectives:

1) Defining patients at increased risk for iatrogenic PPROM:

We will test biochemical and biomechanical markers and their potential to predict iatrogenic PPROM in patients undergoing fetoscopic surgeries. This will include training in transvaginal ultrasound, cervical stiffness measurements, zymography, ELISA, IHC. (This part will be performed also within the mobility period).

2) Sealing methods of iatrogenic fetal membrane defects:

Herein we will test different new approached to seal damaged fetal membranes. We will also analyze the created defects in different animal models to gain a better understanding of the created defects. This will include training in rabbit and sheep animal models, in vitro models and tissue culture. (This part will be performed also within the mobility period).

3) Non-invasive measurement of lung development in the rabbit model for oligohydramnios induced pulmonary hypoplasia:

We will try to implement a new rabbit model of oligohydramnios induced pulmonary hypoplasia. Non-invasive measurements will be undertaken in this rabbit model to evaluate the pulmonary hypoplasia. This will include training in developing new animal models, small scale ultrasound and performing a systematic review of the literature.