Assessing heart function in children with pulmonary hypertension

Non-Invasive Evaluation of Right Ventricular - Pulmonary Arterial Coupling in Children With Elevated Pulmonary Vascular Resistance

University of California, San Francisco · NCT05484596

This study is trying to find a better way to understand heart function in children with pulmonary hypertension by using non-invasive methods to see how their hearts are working.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment65 (estimated)
Ages1 Year to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco (other)
Locations2 sites (San Francisco, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05484596 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on children aged 1-21 years who are referred for cardiac catheterization due to concerns about pulmonary hypertension. It aims to develop a non-invasive scoring system to identify ventriculo-arterial uncoupling, a condition that can lead to decreased cardiac output and right ventricular failure. The study will measure pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular function using advanced techniques, including cardiac catheterization. The goal is to improve the understanding of heart function in pediatric patients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 1-21 years with structurally normal hearts who are being evaluated for pulmonary hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to pulmonary venous hypertension or those unable to undergo necessary tests like MRI or CPET may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better non-invasive methods for assessing heart function in children with pulmonary hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of developing non-invasive scoring systems is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children 1-21 years of age
* Patients referred for cardiac catheterization for hemodynamic evaluation due to concern for pulmonary hypertension
* Structurally normal heart

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pulmonary hypertension secondary to pulmonary venous hypertension defined as pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of more than or equal to 15mmHg
* Pulmonary hypertension secondary to mixed pulmonary arterial and venous hypertension
* Patient will be excluded from performing an MRI if they have:

claustrophobia, metal implants or allergy to contrast

* Patients will be excluded from performing a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) if they are: 1) less than 8 years or 2) unable to follow instructions to run on a treadmill.

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Abnormality, pulmonary vascular resistance, pediatric, VA uncoupling

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.