Fetal Heart and Brain Project | Overview
The purpose of this research is to study brain development in fetuses diagnosed with congenital heart disease during pregnancy and to learn how heart disease affects brain development, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Prior research has shown that fetuses with congenital heart disease may have changes to brain growth and maturation during the later parts of pregnancy. This study will investigate possible causes of these changes that may happen earlier in pregnancy. Another objective of this project is to identify the genetic contributions to the causes and complications of congenital heart diseases to allow for better diagnosis and care. This project collects samples and health information from patients and families for researchers to conduct research on congenital heart disease with the hopes of finding new ways to detect, treat, and maybe prevent or cure congenital heart disease. Additionally, we want to learn more about the relationship between fetal brain development in children with congenital heart disease and their development as they grow up. Specifically, we are studying whether a brain MRI taken during pregnancy can predict children who are more likely to have difficulties in cognition, language, motor skills, social skills, and daily functioning at approximately two years of age and at school age, (between six to eight years old).
Fetal Heart and Brain Study Flyer
Study Contact Information
Kaysi Herrera Pujols, Clinical Research Coordinator
fetalheartbrain@childrens.harvard.edu
617-919-3191