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Evaluation of the human placenta optical scattering properties using continuous wave and frequency-domain diffuse
Siddharth M Khare1, Thien Nguyen1, Afrouz A Anderson1
1National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, M, United States.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|November 6, 2020
Summary
This study quantifies human placental scattering coefficients, crucial for improving non-invasive oxygenation measurements. Accurate placental oxygen saturation assessment aids in monitoring fetal development and preventing adverse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Reproductive Physiology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Placental insufficiency impacts fetal development, leading to hypoxia and potential fetal death.
- Current clinical methods for placental function assessment lack direct oxygenation measurement.
- Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers non-invasive tissue oxygenation assessment, but requires accurate optical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the scattering coefficient of the human placenta.
- To provide data for improving NIRS-based placental oxygenation measurements.
Main Methods:
- Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and frequency-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOSI) were employed.
- Measurements were conducted on eight human placentas perfused with saline.
- Scattering and absorption coefficients were calculated using established optical models.
Main Results:
- The reduced scattering coefficient (μs') was determined across a wavelength range of 659–840 nm.
- A power function describing the placental scattering coefficient was derived: μs' = 1.6619 (λ/500 nm)⁻¹·⁴²⁶.
- Specific average values were reported, e.g., 0.943 ± 0.015 mm⁻¹ at 760 nm.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first reported scattering coefficient for the human placenta.
- This data is essential for enhancing the accuracy of NIRS measurements of placental oxygen saturation.
- Improved placental oxygenation assessment can aid in early detection of fetal compromise.
