NCT06042140 · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Cryopreserved Human Umbilical Cord as a Meningeal Patch in Fetoscopic Spina Bifida Repair
(HUC-FICS)
What this study is about
The objective is to test the effectiveness of a laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic surgical approach to cover spina bifida spinal cord developmental defects using cryopreserved human umbilical cords (NEOX Cord 1K®) as a meningeal and skin patch.
View original scientific description
The objective is to test the efficacy of a laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic surgical approach to cover spina bifida spinal cord developmental defects using cryopreserved human umbilical cords (NEOX Cord 1K®) as a meningeal and skin patch.
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
- Maternal Inclusion Criteria:
- Singleton pregnancy
- Gestational age at screening is 19 to 25 5/7 weeks and gestational age at surgery is 22 to 25 6/7 weeks
- Maternal age: 18 years and older
- Body mass index ≤45 kg/m2 (pre-pregnancy)
- No preterm birth risk factors (short cervix \<20 mm or a history of previous preterm delivery)
- No previous uterine incision in the active uterine segment
- Willing to undergo an open fetal repair if the fetoscopic approach is unsuccessful Fetal Inclusion Criteria:
- Spina bifida defect between T1 to S1 vertebral levels
- Chiari II malformation
- No evidence of kyphosis (curved spine)
- No major life-threatening fetal anomaly unrelated to spina bifida
- Normal karyotype, or a normal chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), or a CMA with variants of unknown significance \[fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) acceptable if ≥ 24 weeks\].
Exclusion criteria
- Maternal Exclusion Criteria:
- Non-resident of the United States
- Multifetal pregnancy
- Poorly controlled insulin-dependent pregestational diabetes
- Poorly controlled A2 diabetes mellitus (A2DM) insulin-dependent diabetes
- Current or planned cerclage or documented history of an incompetent cervix
- Placenta previa or placental abruption
- Short cervix of \< 20 mm
- Obesity as defined by a body mass index of \> 45 kg/m2
- Previous spontaneous singleton delivery prior to 37 weeks
- Maternal-fetal Rh isoimmunization, Kell sensitization, or a history of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
- HIV or Hepatitis-B positive status
- Known Hepatitis-C positivity
- Uterine anomaly such as large or multiple fibroids or a mullerian duct abnormality that is diagnosed via imaging prior to surgery, which that are unavoidable during surgery
- Other medical conditions which are contraindication to surgery or general anesthesia
- Patient does not have a support person
- Inability to comply with the travel and follow-up requirements of the trial
- Patient does not meet psychosocial standardized assessment criteria
- Participation in this or another intervention study that influences maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality
- Maternal hypertension
- Zika virus positivity
- Allergy/history of drug reaction to Amphotericin B Fetal exclusion criteria:
- Major fetal anomaly not related to spina bifida
- Kyphosis in the fetus of 30 degrees or more
- Ventriculomegaly greater than 15 mm and no movements noted at hip and knee joints
Where
- Houston, Texas
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 Aug 13, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations