Could a simple heart scan save mothers and babies?

NCT ID NCT04936815

Ongoing Diagnosis Sponsor: Thomas Pilgrim Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether giving pregnant women a heart ultrasound during routine check-ups can catch hidden heart problems and reduce risks like death, heart failure, or low baby health scores. About 9,000 women in Nepal will be randomly assigned to receive the ultrasound or standard care. Researchers will track outcomes for mothers and babies up to six weeks after birth.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transthoracic echocardiography (heart ultrasound)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that routine heart screening during pregnancy helps prevent serious complications like heart failure or death in mothers and newborns.
What could go wrong: This is a single-site trial in Nepal, so results may not apply everywhere. The screening might not reduce complications enough to be worth the cost or effort.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

heart valve disorder pregnancy disorder rheumatic heart disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE VALVULAR HEART DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences

Dharān, 56700, Nepal
Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital

Bern, 3010, Switzerland

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