High-Intensity, Low-Frequency Periodic rTMS Over the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex on Cardiac Autonomic Regulation in Women With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Anxiety

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether high-intensity, low-frequency periodic repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can modulate cardiac autonomic regulation in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and comorbid anxiety. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does 120% resting motor threshold (RMT) rhythmic low-frequency rTMS reduce heart rate during stimulation time windows compared with sham stimulation? Does 120% RMT rTMS alter heart-rate-variability (HRV) spectral power at the target frequency (0.0167 Hz) compared with sham stimulation? Researchers will compare active rTMS with sham rTMS to determine whether the active intervention produces measurable changes in cardiac autonomic activity. Participants will: Undergo a single session of rTMS or sham stimulation consisting of 20 consecutive stimulation time windows (each 60 seconds: 40 seconds of 1-Hz stimulation plus 20 seconds of rest) targeting the right DLPFC; Have continuous electrocardiography (ECG) recordings collected during the entire stimulation session; Complete clinical and psychiatric assessments before participation.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* (i) Female, aged 18-45 years, and right-handed;
* (ii) Diagnosed with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), defined as two or more consecutive spontaneous miscarriages occurring before 28 weeks of gestation;
* (iii) Not currently pregnant or in a state of missed miscarriage;
* (iv) Meeting the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

Exclusion Criteria:

* (i) Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), such as metallic implants or a history of epilepsy;
* (ii) Unstable blood pressure (systolic \>180 mmHg or \<90 mmHg);
* (iii) Coexisting major organic disorders, including hyperthyroidism, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, sinus bradycardia, neurological diseases, cerebrovascular disease, or pulmonary disorders;
* (iv) Significant suicide risk;
* (v) Other psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders, schizophrenia, delusional disorder, unspecified psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or delirium.

Conditions3

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