Understanding fetal brain blood flow in babies with heart defects

Fetal Cerebrovascular Autoregulation in Congenital Heart Disease and Association With Neonatal Neurobehavior

PHASE2; PHASE3 · University of Utah · NCT05767385

This study is trying to see how abnormal blood flow in the brain of unborn babies with heart defects affects their development after birth.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2; PHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages0 Years to 52 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Utah (other)
Locations5 sites (San Francisco, California and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05767385 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate how abnormal blood flow in the fetal brain affects neurodevelopmental outcomes in newborns with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD). It will assess the relationship between cerebrovascular resistance and neonatal neurobehavior, considering various factors such as maternal health and social determinants. Pregnant women with a singleton fetus diagnosed with CCHD will be recruited during fetal cardiology visits, and their infants' neurobehavior will be evaluated using the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale. The study employs a multicenter design to gather diverse data.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pregnant women aged 18 and older with a singleton fetus diagnosed with congenital heart disease requiring intervention shortly after birth.

Not a fit: Patients with known fetal chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, multiple gestation pregnancies, or extra-cardiac anomalies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and interventions for neurodevelopmental delays in infants with congenital heart disease.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar relationships between fetal physiology and neurodevelopment, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women 18 years of age and over with a singleton fetus with known or suspected congenital heart disease anticipated to need intervention or surgery within 30 days of birth.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known fetal chromosomal or genetic abnormalities
* Multiple gestation pregnancy
* Fetal extra-cardiac anomalies

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California and 4 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: Congenital Heart Disease in Children, Hypoxia, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Complex Congenital Heart Disease, Congenital Heart Disease, Maternal Fetal, Neonatal Neurodevelopment

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.