Mobile Fetal Magnetocardiography Study

NIH and Children’s Wisconsin Study on LQTS in the Fetus
Now enrolling expectant mothers with LQTS in the family

Quick Facts 

📌 Studying: long QT syndrome in unborn babies, for early detection

📌 Condition: Long QT Syndrome

📌 Ages: Although the test can be performed as early as 15 weeks, the optimal time to participate is at 22-26 weeks of gestation.

📌 Site: Children’s Wisconsin. Limited travel funds to Madison, Wisconsin are available. The test itself is of no cost to you.

📌 Status: Now Enrolling

About This Research Study

This research study is helping doctors learn more about how a baby’s heart rhythm develops before birth – especially when there may be concerns about irregular heartbeats or conditions like Long QT Syndrome (LQTS).

What We’ve Learned About LQTS

In the last few years, researchers have discovered that LQTS is more common than once thought, and that it can even be detected before a baby is born. LQTS affects how the heart’s electrical system controls each heartbeat, sometimes causing dangerous rhythm changes.

However, measuring a baby’s heartbeat inside the womb can be difficult with regular tools like an ECG (electrocardiogram). That’s why this study uses a new, advanced method called Fetal Magnetocardiography (fMCG).

What is fMCG?

The test used in this study is called Fetal Magnetocardiography (fMCG). It’s a completely safe and non-invasive (no needles or radiation) way to record the tiny magnetic signals that the baby’s heart naturally gives off.

This helps doctors see how the baby’s heart is beating and sending electrical signals, kind of like how an EKG (electrocardiogram) looks at an adult’s heartbeat – but designed for babies before they’re born.

How does it work?

• You’ll lie comfortably under a special device called a SQUID (short for Super Conducting Quantum Interference Device).
• The device sits above your belly and picks up your baby’s heart signals.
• The test takes place in a magnetically shielded room, which helps block outside noise so the signals are very clear.
• It doesn’t use sound waves (like an ultrasound) or strong magnets (like an MRI). It just listens to the natural magnetic signals the baby’s heart already makes.

Why is this important?

This test helps doctors:

• Measure the QT interval, which shows how the baby’s heart controls its rhythm.
• Detect abnormal heart rhythms, such as LQTS, heart block (AV block), slow heart rates (bradycardia), or certain fast rhythms (ventricular tachycardia).
• Better understand and treat heart rhythm problems before birth.
• If a heart rhythm issue is found, your pregnancy care plan and delivery can be adjusted to keep your baby as safe as possible.

Have a question? We can help you understand research options, requirements, and genetic testing – without any expectation that you enroll in this study. Reach out to learn about research and next steps from the SADS Foundation’s clinical trial support team.

What are the basic eligibility criteria?

You may quality if you are currently pregnant between 20 and 37 weeks gestation and have:

• A history of a prior pregnancy resulting in a stillbirth after 20 weeks gestation (5months)
• Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome or Monochorionic twins
• Fetal heart defect
• Fetal abdominal wall birth defect
• Fetal hydrops

Who should NOT participate?

• If your physician determines travel to the lab would complicate the pregnancy
• You must be at least 18 years old to participate

Full eligibility criteria will be evaluated by the researcher to determine if an individual is the right candidate for this study. 

FAQs

Who is leading this study?

This study is led by Dr. Ron Wakai, Professor of Medical Physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, together with pediatric cardiologists Dr. Janette Strasburger and Dr. Bettina Cuneo.

Have other people safely completed a pregnancy after this study?

They have been studying fetal heart rhythms using fMCG for more than 15 years, and the test has been safely completed in over 500 pregnancies.

How much does the testing cost?

The test is free of charge. Limited travel funds to Madison, Wisconsin, may be available to help families who qualify.