Using echocardiography to diagnose fetal growth issues in twin pregnancies
Official title: Speckle Tracking Echocardiography as a Tool for Early Diagnosis of Impaired Fetal Growth in Twin Pregnancies
Run by University Hospital, Ghent · NCT05423665 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Ghent and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 22, 2023 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | September 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05423665 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women with singleton or dichorionic twin pregnancies who are around 21 weeks of gestation.
✕Probably 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.
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 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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.