Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Understanding late fetal organ development

Official title: Study of Late-foetal Human Organ Development

Run by University College London Hospitals · NCT04661059 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how fetal organs develop in the later stages of pregnancy to help us understand birth defects and improve treatments for them.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity College London Hospitals
Academic / other
Locations1 site (London)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 3, 2022
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2024
Study endsDecember 31, 2040
Registry record updatedDecember 5, 2023
Trial IDNCT04661059 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are pregnant women aged 18 and older who have concerns about fetal abnormalities and decide to proceed with termination of pregnancy.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are unable to make an informed decision about termination of pregnancy or have positive screening labs for certain infections 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 observational study aims to gather knowledge about normal and abnormal organ development during the last two-thirds of pregnancy, a critical period for fetal tissue remodeling. It involves collecting tissue samples from various developing fetal organs from women who choose to undergo termination of pregnancy and consent to a clinical fetal postmortem examination. The findings could enhance our understanding of congenital disorders and inform future treatment approaches for affected individuals.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for congenital disorders.

How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research on late fetal organ development, studies focusing on early fetal tissues have shown promise, making this approach novel and potentially impactful.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years old pregnant women who attend the Fetal Medicine Unit for concerns about a fetal abnormality where they decide to proceed to termination of pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Screening labs positive for maternal HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, Chlamydia and Herpes.
* Subject unable to make an informed decision about termination of pregnancy.

Where it's running

  • University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    London, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.