Improving fetal MRI imaging for pregnant women
Advanced Fetal Imaging - Phase II
This study is testing new ways to improve MRI scans for pregnant women to get clearer images of their babies while reducing movement during the scans.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Boston Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT02840019 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance fetal MRI imaging by developing specialized MRI coils for pregnant women and testing new imaging techniques. The researchers will evaluate and optimize existing MRI methods while implementing innovative technologies to improve image quality. This includes creating new pulse sequences and acquisition schemes that minimize fetal motion, allowing for better structural and physiological imaging. The study also involves testing new radio frequency coil arrays to facilitate faster imaging of the fetus.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women between 18 and 40 weeks of gestation, either with healthy pregnancies or concerns about fetal/placental abnormalities.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI, such as implanted metal or claustrophobia, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to higher quality fetal MRI images, improving prenatal care and outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in improving fetal imaging techniques, but this specific approach with new coil designs and imaging methods is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* 60 Minute Full Research MRI Scan:
* Gestational age between 18 and 40 weeks
* AND
* Pregnant women with a healthy pregnancy
* OR
* Pregnant women with a concern for fetal/placental abnormalities referred for a clinical fetal MRI by their obstetrician
* OR
* Pregnant women with a concern for fetal/placental abnormalities NOT referred for a clinical fetal MRI by their obstetrician
* 15 Minute Add-On Research Scan:
* Gestational age between 18 and 40 weeks
* AND
* Pregnant women with a concern for fetal abnormalities referred for a clinical fetal MRI by their obstetrician
* AND
* The clinical fetal MRI will occur at Boston Children's Hospital
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnant women with a contraindication to MRI (implanted metal, non-removable piercings, pacemaker, etc)
* Pregnant women who are claustrophobic
* Pregnant women who are medically unstable for an MRI
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: P. Ellen Grant, MD — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: P. Ellen Grant, MD
- Email: ellen.grant@childrens.harvard.edu
- Phone: 857-218-5111
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.