Identifying noninvasive markers of heart transplant rejection in patients with congenital heart disease
Official title: Search for Noninvasive Markers of "Graft Injury" in Pediatric and Adult Patients With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Cardiac Transplantation
Run by IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT06784440 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new blood test to see if it can help detect heart transplant rejection in patients with congenital heart disease without needing a more invasive procedure.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | Any age to 44 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bologna) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 8, 2023 |
| Main results expected | November 8, 2025 |
| Study ends | March 7, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 20, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06784440 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include pediatric and adult patients with congenital heart disease who are undergoing cardiac transplantation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not undergoing cardiac transplantation or those who cannot provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to validate a new diagnostic method for detecting acute myocardial rejection in patients with congenital heart disease undergoing heart transplantation. The study will evaluate plasma levels of donor-derived cell-free DNA (Dd-cfDNA) in the recipient's blood and compare its effectiveness to the current gold standard, which is endomyocardial biopsy. Approximately 20 pediatric and adult patients will be enrolled, and blood samples will be collected during routine biopsies to analyze Dd-cfDNA levels. The goal is to determine if this noninvasive method can predict rejection with similar sensitivity as traditional biopsy methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive and more accessible method for monitoring heart transplant rejection in patients with congenital heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using Dd-cfDNA is gaining interest, this specific application in congenital heart disease patients undergoing transplantation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac transplantation at our center or other centers, followed in follow-up at our center (Unit of Pediatric Cardiology and Developmental Age, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna) * Pediatric patients undergoing cardiac transplantation at our center or other centers but followed in follow-up at our center * Obtaining informed consent from the adult patient or parent/guardian in case of minor Exclusion Criteria: * Failure to obtain informed consent from the adult patient or parent/guardian in case of minor
Where it's running
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IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna
Bologna, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Luca Ragni, MD — IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna
- Study coordinator: Luca Ragni, MD
- Email: luca.ragni@aosp.bo.it
- Phone: 0512149024
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.