~10 spots leftby Apr 2026

Serial Amnioinfusions for Low Amniotic Fluid

(RAFT Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
+9 other locations
MA
Overseen byMeredith Atkinson
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Phase 1
Waitlist Available
Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a method of injecting fluid into the womb of pregnant women whose fetuses have a severe kidney condition that prevents normal lung development. The goal is to help the fetus's lungs grow so they can survive after birth. The trial focuses on the safety and effectiveness of this treatment for fetuses with urinary tract issues.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team to get a clear answer.

What data supports the idea that Serial Amnioinfusions for Low Amniotic Fluid is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that Serial Amnioinfusions for Low Amniotic Fluid can be effective. In one study, patients who received amnioinfusion had fewer cesarean sections due to fetal distress compared to those who did not receive the treatment (4.7% vs 16%). Another study found that patients receiving amnioinfusion had significantly less need for surgical intervention and fewer cesarean sections. Additionally, the amniotic fluid volume increased significantly after the treatment, which is beneficial for the pregnancy. These findings suggest that Serial Amnioinfusions can improve outcomes for both the mother and the baby.12345

What safety data exists for serial amnioinfusions for low amniotic fluid?

The safety data for amnioinfusion, including serial amnioinfusions, suggests it is generally safe with few adverse effects. Studies have shown benefits such as reduced postpartum endometritis, decreased cesarean delivery rates due to fetal distress, and improved amniotic fluid volume. No significant untoward effects were identified in trials, and it was associated with decreased intrapartum morbidity. However, rare cases of amniotic fluid embolism have been reported, indicating the need for further research.12678

Is the treatment Serial amnioinfusions with isotonic fluid a promising treatment for low amniotic fluid?

Yes, Serial amnioinfusions with isotonic fluid is a promising treatment for low amniotic fluid. Studies show it can reduce the need for cesarean sections, improve the baby's condition at birth, and decrease the mother's hospital stay. It also helps increase the amount of amniotic fluid, which is important for the baby's health.123910

Research Team

MA

Meredith Atkinson

Principal Investigator

Johns Hopkins University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for pregnant women over 18 with a fetus diagnosed with EPRA, excluding bilateral renal agenesis. They must be before 22 weeks gestation, not planning to terminate the pregnancy, and able to start treatment before 26 weeks. Participants need to deliver at a RAFT center and agree to postnatal care there.

Inclusion Criteria

I have consulted with specialists in kidney, newborn care, transplant, surgery, pregnancy issues, social work, and genetics.
My baby has been diagnosed with renal failure, not due to missing kidneys, with no amniotic fluid before 22 weeks.
I do not plan to terminate my pregnancy.
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

Multiple gestation
I have depression that hasn't improved with treatment, confirmed by a test score.
You have signs of chorioamnionitis or abruptio placentae.
See 7 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Isotonic fluid (Drug)
  • Serial amnioinfusions with isotonic fluid (Procedure)
  • Spinal needle (Device)
Trial OverviewThe RAFT Trial tests serial amnioinfusions of isotonic fluid into the womb against standard monitoring without infusions. The goal is for the infused fluid to help fetal lung growth in cases where kidney issues have led to low amniotic fluid levels.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Serial amnioinfusions with isotonic fluidExperimental Treatment3 Interventions
There are two interventional arms to the trial. Recruitment in the bilateral renal agenesis arm of the trial was stopped in July 2022 after Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) review. Recruitment is ongoing in the non-bilateral renal agenesis, fetal renal failure with anhydramnios arm of the trial. Patients will undergo amnioinfusions with isotonic fluid every 2-12 days.. A spinal needle will be used to perform the infusion. The latest infusions will begin is 26 weeks gestation. Standard postnatal care will occur at a RAFT center.
Group II: ExpectantActive Control1 Intervention
Patients will be observed serially by ultrasound, fetal echocardiogram and MRI. Standard postnatal care will occur at a RAFT center.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Johns HopkinsBaltimore, MD
University of Southern California/Children's Hospital of Los Angeles/Huntington HospitalLos Angeles, CA
Stanford UniversityStanford, CA
University of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA
More Trial Locations
Loading ...

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Johns Hopkins University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
2366
Patients Recruited
15,160,000+

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Collaborator

Trials
2103
Patients Recruited
2,760,000+

Findings from Research

In a study of 100 patients with various pregnancy complications, saline solution amnioinfusion significantly reduced the incidence of postpartum endometritis (2.4% vs 19%) and showed a trend towards lower cesarean deliveries due to fetal distress (4.7% vs 16%).
Amnioinfusion also improved the estimation of amniotic fluid volume, with a significant increase in the four-quadrant ultrasound measurement (14.7 cm vs 9.8 cm), indicating its potential efficacy in managing complications related to amniotic fluid levels.
A prospective randomized study of saline solution amnioinfusion.Owen, J., Henson, BV., Hauth, JC.[2019]
Prophylactic amnioinfusion as a treatment for oligohydramnios in laboring patients: a prospective, randomized trial.Schrimmer, DB., Macri, CJ., Paul, RH.[2019]
Prophylactic intrapartum amnioinfusion for patients with oligohydramnios. A prospective randomized study.Chauhan, SP., Rutherford, SE., Hess, LW., et al.[2004]
Effect of maternal hydration on oligohydramnios: a comparison of three volume expansion methods.Doi, S., Osada, H., Seki, K., et al.[2019]
Amniotic fluid volume increase after amnioinfusion of a fixed volume.Strong, TH., Hetzler, G., Paul, RH.[2019]
Amniotic fluid embolism after saline amnioinfusion: two cases and review of the literature.Maher, JE., Wenstrom, KD., Hauth, JC., et al.[2015]
Prophylactic amnioinfusion in preganancies complicated by chorioamnionitis: a prospective randomized trial.Parilla, BV., McDermott, TM.[2015]
Fetal electrolyte and acid-base responses to amnioinfusion: lactated Ringer's versus normal saline in the ovine fetus.Shields, LE., Moore, TR., Brace, RA.[2019]
Intrapartum amnioinfusion in twin gestation. A preliminary report of three cases.Strong, TH., Howard, MW., Wade, BK., et al.[2015]
Amnioinfusion.Hofmeyr, GJ., Gulmezoglu, AM., Nikodem, VC., et al.[2019]

References

A prospective randomized study of saline solution amnioinfusion. [2019]
Prophylactic amnioinfusion as a treatment for oligohydramnios in laboring patients: a prospective, randomized trial. [2019]
Prophylactic intrapartum amnioinfusion for patients with oligohydramnios. A prospective randomized study. [2004]
Effect of maternal hydration on oligohydramnios: a comparison of three volume expansion methods. [2019]
Amniotic fluid volume increase after amnioinfusion of a fixed volume. [2019]
Amniotic fluid embolism after saline amnioinfusion: two cases and review of the literature. [2015]
Prophylactic amnioinfusion in preganancies complicated by chorioamnionitis: a prospective randomized trial. [2015]
Fetal electrolyte and acid-base responses to amnioinfusion: lactated Ringer's versus normal saline in the ovine fetus. [2019]
Intrapartum amnioinfusion in twin gestation. A preliminary report of three cases. [2015]
Amnioinfusion. [2019]