Astha Burande
Supervisor: Angela McBrien
Project: Improving the accuracy of fetal cardiomyopathy predictions
"The most interesting aspect of my research is learning how many parents or family members are diagnosed with cardiomyopathy after learning that their baby has primary fetal cardiomyopathy. This connection could provide crucial insights into the genetic and hereditary nature of the condition."
A multi-centre study of primary heart muscle disease of the unborn baby
Fetal cardiomyopathy (FCM) is a rare condition affecting the heart muscle of unborn babies with six subtypes and a spectrum of causes. FCM is associated with a high risk of the baby dying before or soon after birth.
Previous studies on FCM have been limited in scope, looking at only a small number of cases over a long time. This has made it challenging to thoroughly understand the differences in what causes FCM and what outcomes each subtype might have, especially with modern testing and management methods.
Our objective is to examine differences in causes and outcomes of FCM subtypes. We will conduct the largest-ever study on FCM where we will gather and review data on more than 200 FCM cases recently diagnosed by over 30 fetal cardiology centres across the world.
Leading this study are co-supervisors Angela McBrien and Lisa Hornberger, working in collaboration with the Fetal Heart Society. We will analyze clinical data uploaded by participating centres. We expect that through this study, we will improve the accuracy of prenatal counselling, including outcome prediction, and may identify ways to improve the management and outcomes of FCM-affected pregnancies.
Astha Burande was supervised by Angela McBrien and her summer studentship was funded by the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. She is enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program.
