Identifying infections in early pregnancy with increased nuchal translucency

Pathogen Detection by Metatranscriptomic Next Generation Sequencing in the Trophoblast Collected in Women Carrying a Fetus With Increasing Nuchal Translucency in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Observational Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT05388968

This study is trying to find out if infections in pregnant women are linked to increased nuchal translucency in their babies during the first trimester.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations1 site (Paris)
Trial IDNCT05388968 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the potential link between increased nuchal translucency in the first trimester of pregnancy and maternal-fetal infections. It employs metatranscriptomic next-generation sequencing to analyze trophoblast tissue from pregnant women carrying fetuses with nuchal translucency greater than 3.5 mm. The goal is to identify pathogens that may contribute to this condition, which remains unexplained in over 50% of cases. By focusing on cases where chorionic villi sampling is performed, the study aims to enhance understanding of the etiology behind increased nuchal translucency.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women in their first trimester with a singleton pregnancy and a fetus exhibiting increased nuchal translucency.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those under 18 years of age, those without health insurance, or those with chronic infections.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods for identifying infections in early pregnancy, potentially reducing risks associated with unexplained increased nuchal translucency.

How similar studies have performed: While the association between increased nuchal translucency and infections has been suggested, this approach using metatranscriptomic sequencing is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women
* Singleton pregnancy
* First trimester (11 GA+0D to 13 GA+6D)
* Carrying a fetus with a nuchal translucency \> 3.5 mm for which a chorionic villi sampling is performed OR a suspicion of genetic abnormalities for which a chorionic villi sampling is performed
* Delivery planned at Necker hospital
* Not opposed to participation

Exclusion Criteria

* Age \<18 years
* no health insurance
* difficulties in understanding the French language
* chronic infection (HIV, HBV, HVC and HTLV-1)

Where this trial is running

Paris

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.
Conditions Increased Nuchal Translucency in the First Trimester of Pregnancynuchal translucencymetatranscriptomicnext generation sequencingmetagenomictrophoblasthigh throughput sequencing
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.