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In vivo Raman spectroscopy monitors cervical change during labor
Laura E Masson1, Christine M O'Brien1, Rekha Gautam1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|February 21, 2022
Summary
Raman spectroscopy noninvasively monitors cervical biochemical changes during labor, detecting collagen decrease and blood/lipid increase. This technology may objectively guide labor management.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical optics
- Gynecology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Cervical biochemical changes during labor are poorly understood due to limited in vivo technologies.
- A technology is needed to understand cervical ripening and dilation, and to objectively assess cervical status for clinical decision-making.
- Raman spectroscopy, a noninvasive optical technique, can detect biochemical alterations in tissue components like extracellular matrix proteins, lipids, and blood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy can longitudinally monitor biochemical changes in the laboring cervix.
- To identify spectral markers of impending parturition using Raman spectroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 30 pregnant participants undergoing labor (spontaneous or induced).
- Acquired in vivo Raman spectra at 4-hour intervals throughout labor using a fiber-optic probe.
- Analyzed spectral data using linear mixed-effects models and nonnegative least-squares biochemical modeling.
Main Results:
- Detected significant decreases in collagen and extracellular matrix protein features (P=.0054) during labor.
- Observed significant increases in spectral features associated with blood (P=.0372) and lipids (P=.0273).
- Biochemical modeling showed decreased collagen and increased blood contributions over time to delivery.
Conclusions:
- In vivo Raman spectroscopy is sensitive to biochemical remodeling of the cervix during labor.
- Raman spectroscopy offers a potential noninvasive tool for objective cervical evaluation.
- This technique may aid in guiding clinical management during labor.
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