NCT04559425 · The Hospital for Sick Children
Slow Heart Registry of Fetal Immune-mediated High Degree Heart Block
What this study is about
Few studies are specifically designed to address health concerns that are already relevant during pregnancy. The consequence is a lack of evidence on best clinical practice. This includes mothers and their babies when pregnancy is complicated by an abnormally slow heart rate due to maternal antibody-mediated heart disease in the unborn baby (fetus).
View original scientific description
Few studies are specifically designed to address health concerns that are already relevant during pregnancy. The consequence is a lack of evidence on best clinical practice. This includes mothers and their babies when pregnancy is complicated by an abnormally slow heart rate due to maternal antibody-mediated heart disease in the unborn baby (fetus). Since the late seventies, it has been possible to detect and monitor fetal disease by ultrasound images and to treat selected conditions with pharmaceuticals administered via the mother. To this day, physicians need to make decisions about the management of such pregnancies without evidence from prospective clinical trials on drug efficacy and safety. The SLOW HEART REGISTRY is a multi-centered prospective observational study that will address the knowledge gap to guide future management of high-degree immune-mediated heart block to the best of care. The study seeks to establish an international database of the management and outcome of affected fetuses, to be used to publish information on the results of currently available prenatal care and to evaluate the need for additional research.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Written informed maternal consent to participate in the Slow Heart Registry
- High-degree (2nd; 2:1; 2nd-3rd or 3rd degree) AVB diagnosed ≤ 32+0 weeks with or without hydrops
- Enrollment within maximally 8 days of high-degree AVB diagnosis
- Positive or pending anti-Ro/La antibody test results at the time of enrollment
Exclusion criteria
- AVB associated with major CHD (e.g. left atrial isomerism, cc-TGA)
- AVB with known negative anti-Ro and/or La antibody test result at enrollment
- 1st degree AVB
- Sinus bradycardia with normal 1:1 AV conduction
- Blocked atrial bigeminy (irregular atrial rate with failure of AV conduction of the premature atrial beat)
- Primary delivery for postnatal treatment
- Maternal-fetal conditions (other than cardiac NL) associated with high odds of premature delivery or death (e.g. renal failure, significant infectious diseases, major extracardiac anomalies, PROM, etc.)
- Preexisting maternal mental disorder (e.g. bipolar, mania, severe depression, substance abuse)
- Poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetes (HbA1c \>7%) at CAVB diagnosis
- Oligohydramnios (deepest/maximal vertical pocket \<2 cm)
- Severe IUGR (estimated fetal weight \<3rd percentile)
Where
- Phoenix, Arizona
- San Francisco, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- St. Petersburg, Florida
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- New York, New York
- Houston, Texas
- Seattle, Washington
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 22, 2024 · Source of record for eligibility and locations