Mild Ventriculomegaly (MVM)

Prenatal ultrasound can provide important information about how the brain and other parts of a child’s body are developing. One of the measurements that are routinely done during a prenatal ultrasound is the width of the lateral ventricle. (The lateral ventricle is a fluid-filled space in the brain.)

A mild enlargement of the ventricle is called "mild ventriculomegaly" (MVM). Most children with MVM develop normally; however, there is evidence that some children with MVM may have developmental delays after birth.

MVM has not been studied very well, and it is currently difficult to determine if a child with MVM has a higher risk of developmental difficulties. We are conducting a study to follow the development of children with MVM and children with normal ventricle size. You may participate in this study if you have had a prenatal ultrasound that showed that your child had mildly enlarged lateral ventricles.

The study involves three separate visits for ultrasounds: once during the second trimester, once during the third trimester, and once shortly after the birth of your child. You will also be asked medical history questions by a study nurse or program coordinator.

A developmental assessment will be done when your child is one and two years old. Your child will also have the opportunity to have an MRI of his or her brain after birth and at the one- and two-year follow-up visits as well. You will receive $50 for each of the study visits and be reimbursed for travel and parking expenses.

By participating you may be helping women in the future whose babies have MVM by improving our knowledge of how these babies develop. This is a voluntary study, you will be compensated, and all information gathered is confidential.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Dianne Evans, Program Coordinator (919.843-2389 or 866.849.0541 (toll free) or email; ddevans@med.unc.edu). She can explain the study in more detail and answer any questions that you may have.

Related Links

MVM Study Brochure

MVM Study Brochure in Spanish (Espanol)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate in the Early Brain Development Study – MVM?
Any mother whose fetus has mildly enlarged ventricles (atrial width 10-15 mm) on ultrasound at any gestational age is eligible.

Will it cost me anything to be in this study?
There are no costs to subjects for participating in this research study.

Will I be paid anything if I participate in this study?
All study participants will receive $50 for each of the study visits (for a total of $300 to $400) and be reimbursed for travel and parking expenses.

I would like to participate in this study but I don’t drive/have a car?
Transportation can be provided if needed.

Will my participation in this Study be kept condidential?
Yes, all information gathered is confidential.

Why participate in the Early Brain Development Study – MVM?
By participating you may be helping women whhose babies have MVM in the future by improving our knowledge of how these babies develop.

Who can’t participate in the Early Brain Development Study – MVM?
Mothers with HIV, any known chromosomal abnormality, or any major congenital abnormality cannot participate.

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