Using echocardiography to diagnose fetal growth issues in twin pregnancies
Speckle Tracking Echocardiography as a Tool for Early Diagnosis of Impaired Fetal Growth in Twin Pregnancies
This study is testing if a special heart ultrasound can help doctors spot growth problems in twins before they are born, while also looking at how air pollution might affect their health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Ghent and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05423665 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in diagnosing fetal growth restriction (FGR) in twin pregnancies at two key gestational points: 21 weeks and 30 weeks. It will involve measuring fetal growth parameters, assessing maternal exposure to air pollution, and analyzing placental and umbilical cord blood samples to understand their relationship with FGR. The study will also explore the potential link between air pollution exposure and cardiac remodeling in fetuses. By integrating these assessments, the research seeks to improve early detection and management of FGR, which is crucial for reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women with singleton or dichorionic twin pregnancies who are around 21 weeks of gestation.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant with higher-order multiples (three or more) or have known fetal congenital abnormalities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of fetal growth restriction, improving outcomes for twin pregnancies.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of speckle tracking echocardiography in pregnancy is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in other contexts, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Singleton or dichorionic twin pregnancy * Pregnant women 21 weeks ( ± 2 weeks) of gestation at the first visit * Women ≥ 18 years Exclusion Criteria: * Women pregnant of multiples of higher order (≥3 siblings) Monochorionic twin pregnancy * Fetal arrhythmia * Known fetal congenital or genetic abnormalities * Any suspicion of congenital fetal anomalies that might influence fetal cardiac function * Pre-existing maternal hypertensive disease * Autoimmune disease including systemic lupus erythematosus * History of stillbirth * Diabetes mellitus (mother)
Where this trial is running
Ghent and 2 other locations
- Ghent University Hospital — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
- Universitair ziekenhuis Leuven — Leuven, Belgium (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Maxima medical center — Eindhoven, Netherlands (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristien Roelens — University Hospital, Ghent
- Study coordinator: Eline Meireson
- Email: eline.meireson@uzgent.be
- Phone: 0032 9 332 78 17
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.