25 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The purpose of this study is to assess in a pilot randomized controlled trial the following PICOT question: In parents facing extreme premature delivery, does the use of an existing validated visual decision aid as compared to standard counseling, reduce the primary outcome of parental decisional conflict? Furthermore, is such a decision aid understood and applicable across differing populations of different ethnic backgrounds and social classes?
In Canada, about 900 babies each year are born very early (\<26 weeks of gestation) and have a high chance of dying or having a serious bleed in the brain. Families of these extremely preterm babies consider preventing severe brain bleeding as critical to their child's health and well-being. A medicine called indomethacin, when given intravenously in 3-doses, is known to reduce severe brain bleeding. But use of this drug is variable among clinicians working in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to (a) its side effects on the gut; (b) possible harm when used with other medications; (c) a notion that despite reducing brain bleeds, the child's long-term brain development is not improved. Emerging evidence suggests that a single low-dose indomethacin regimen may be equally effective in reducing severe brain bleeding as compared to a traditional 3-dose regimen. The investigators propose a blinded randomized controlled trial, a study design where babies born \<26 weeks will be randomly assigned within 12 hours of birth to either a single dose of intravenous indomethacin or similar looking placebo in the form a saline solution. The study will test if a single dose indomethacin regimen is effective in improving survival of these babies without the devastating complication of severe brain bleeding. In this study the care providers and researchers will be unaware as to which baby receives indomethacin and which baby receives placebo to ensure no one's expectations or biases can influence the results. The investigators will conduct the study in multiple NICUs across Canada, the United States and Australia and will enroll 500 babies born \<26 weeks or \<750 g birth weight over a period of 3 years. This study will help the investigators determine in the most unbiased way whether a single dose of indomethacin given immediately after birth in the smallest babies born \<26 weeks of gestation can safely and effectively reduce severe brain bleeding.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of LISA used in the delivery room (DR) in decreasing the intubation rates in preterm infants at 22-25 weeks gestational age (GA), during first 72 hours compared to the standard approach of stabilization on nasal CPAP in the DR and administering surfactant in the NICU. Infants in both groups will be resuscitated per NRP algorithm. Infants who maintain a stable HR and respiratory effort on CPAP will qualify for the intervention. Infants in Group 1 (Intervention arm) will receive LISA in DR. CPAP will be titrated between 5-8 cm H20 after LISA. Infants in Group 2 (Control arm) will be transferred to NICU on CPAP. The CPAP level will be increased stepwise every 30 minutes to 7 cm H2O if FiO2 ≥0.3. Infants requiring CPAP 7 at FiO2 ≥0.3 will receive LISA. CPAP will be titrated between 5-8 cm H20 after LISA. Infants in both arms requiring CPAP 7 and FiO2 \>0.8 at 20 MOL in the delivery room will be intubated in DR. Any infant with a heart rate not responding with appropriate PPV will be intubated in the DR. CXR will be obtain on admission and umbilical lines will be placed. Infants in both arm who require FiO2 ≥0.6 for ≥1 hour, apnea requiring stimulation 3 times within one hour or ≥6 over 6 hour period, any apnea requiring PPV, or CO2 \>0.65 in two consecutive blood gases drawn over two hours will be considered as reasons for intubation after LISA. Primary outcome is the need for MV within 72 hours of life, secondary outcome includes need for MV during first week of life and during hospital stay, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP), need for treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), composite death or BPD and mortality. This is a feasibility trial with the intention to enroll 30 infants in each arm of the study over three years.
This randomized clinical trial seeks to determine if osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) increases the likelihood of improved neurodevelopmental outcomes as estimated by the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP).
The anticipated birth of an extremely low gestational age infant presents many complex and ethically challenging questions, including whether to initiate resuscitation or comfort care after delivery. Failure to identify and align decision-making to parents' values during periviabilty counseling may result in greater opportunity for decisional regret. The goal of the proposed research is to assess decisional regret in mothers of extremely premature births and to compare decisional regret in mothers who chose resuscitation at time of delivery to those who chose comfort care. Approximately 1000 mothers of infants born extremely premature at 2 perinatal centers in the US will be surveyed.
The most appropriate initial oxygen concentration for the resuscitation of the extremely low birth weight infant has not been established using large well designed, randomized, blinded, prospective trials and the level of oxygen utilized by practitioners in this situation is highly variable. This proposed trial will use targeted oxygen saturation levels over the first 15 to 20 minutes of life to compare a low and a higher initial oxygen level for the resuscitation of such infants, and will be large enough to evaluate short term outcomes of survival without oxygen at 36 weeks and survival without retinopathy of prematurity, and the long term outcome of survival without significant neurodevelopmental impairment at 2 years of age. Such information is urgently required to provide an evidence basis for the initial oxygen concentration for resuscitation of these very preterm infants.
Recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo) is a promising novel neuroprotective agent. Epo decreases neuronal programmed cell death resulting from brain injury; it has anti-inflammatory effects, increases neurogenesis, and protects oligodendrocytes from injury. We hypothesize that neonatal Epo treatment of ELGANs will decrease the combined outcome of death or severe NDI from 40% to 30% (primary outcome), or the combined outcome of death plus moderate or severe NDI from 60% to 40% (secondary outcome) measured at 24-26 months corrected age. 1. To determine whether Epo decreases the combined outcome of death or NDI at 24-26 months corrected age. NDI is defined as the presence of any one of the following: CP, Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd Edition (Bayley-III) Cognitive Scale \< 70 (severe, 2 SD below mean) or 85 (moderate, 1 SD below mean). CP will be diagnosed and classified by standardized neurologic exam, with severity classified by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). 2. To determine whether there are risks to Epo administration in ELGANs by examining, in a blinded manner, Epo-related safety measures comparing infants receiving Epo with those given placebo. 3. To test whether Epo treatment decreases serial measures of circulating inflammatory mediators, and biomarkers of brain injury. 4. To compare brain structure (as measured by MRI) in Epo treatment and control groups at 36 weeks PMA. MRI assessments will include documentation of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), white matter injury (WMI) and hydrocephalus (HC), volume of total and deep gray matter, white matter and cerebellum, brain gyrification, and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS based on diffusion tensor imaging). As an exploratory aim, we will determine which of the above MRI measurements best predict neurodevelopment (CP, cognitive and motor scales) at 24-26 months corrected age. Anticipated outcomes: Early Epo treatment of ELGANs will decrease biochemical and MRI markers of brain injury, will be safe, and will confer improved neurodevelopmental outcome at 24-26 months corrected age compared to placebo, and will provide a much-needed therapy for this group of vulnerable infants.
Fluid-unresponsive hypotension needing cardiotropic drug treatment is a serious complication in very preterm neonates with suspected late-onset sepsis (LOS; defined as culture positive or negative bloodstream infection or necrotizing enterocolitis occurring \>48 hours of age). In Canada, \~250 very preterm neonates receive cardiotropic drugs for LOS related fluid-unresponsive hypotension every year; of these \~35-40% die. Unlike for adult patients, there is little evidence to inform practice. While several medications are used by clinicians, the most frequently used medications are Dopamine (DA) and Norepinephrine (NE). However, their relative impact on patient outcomes and safety is not known resulting in significant uncertainty and inter- and intra-unit variability in practice. Conducting large randomized trials in this subpopulation can be operationally challenging and expensive. Comparative effectiveness research (CER), is a feasible alternative which can generate high-quality real-world evidence using real-world data, by comparing the impact of different clinical practices. Aim: To conduct an international CER study, using a pragmatic clinical trial design, in conjunction with the existing infrastructure of the Canadian Neonatal Network to identify the optimal management of hypotension in very preterm neonates with suspected LOS. Objective: To compare the relative effectiveness and safety of pharmacologically equivalent dosages of DA versus NE for primary pharmacotherapy for fluid-unresponsive hypotension in preterm infants born ≤ 32 weeks gestational age with suspected LOS. Hypothesis: Primary treatment with NE will be associated with a lower mortality Methods: This CER project will compare management approach at the unit-level allowing inclusion of all eligible patients admitted during the study period. 15 centers in Canada, 4 centers in Ireland, 2 centers in Israel and 6 centers in the United States have agreed to standardize their practice. All eligible patients deemed circulatory insufficient will receive fluid therapy (minimum 10-20 cc/kg). If hypotension remains unresolved: Dopamine Units: start at 5mics/kg/min, increase every 16-30 minutes by 5 mics/kg/min to a maximum dose of 15 mics/kg/min or adequate response Norepinephrine Units: start at 0.05 mics/kg/min, increase every 16-30 minutes by 0.05 mics/kg/min to maximum dose of 0.15/mics/kg/min or adequate response
The goal of this trial is to compare the time to first heart rate displayed for iRes Warmer with ResusView and using iRes Warmer without ResusView when used in the resuscitation (e.g. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or breathing assistance) of premature newborns (23 to 32+6 weeks gestation).
This study is being conducted to compare the incidence of preterm infants (up to 28+6 weeks GA) who achieve a peripheral oxygen saturation of 80 percent by 5 minutes of life (MOL) given mask CPAP/PPV with an FiO2 of 1.0 during DCC for 90 seconds (HI Group) to infants given mask CPAP/PPV with an FiO2 of .30 during DCC for 90 seconds (LO Group).
The purpose of the study is to utilize the objective data provided by the nfant® suite of products, along with current NICU visual assessment and cue-based feeding practices, in order to determine if feeding performance outcomes and clinical decision making for individualized feeding plans for premature infants born less than 30 weeks PMA are impacted.
The Therapist Education and Massage for Parent-Infant Outcomes program is evidence-based and includes infant massage, physical therapy interventions including developmental support and play activities to promote infant behavioral-motor development, principles of family-centered care, and multiple modes of educational delivery to enhance parent retention of knowledge, parent-infant bonding, and confidence in continuing physical therapy interventions after discharge.
The goal of the NANO trial is to study the longstanding clinical practice of empirically administering intravenous antibiotics to extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants in the first days of life. In this 802-subject multicenter placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, the hypothesis to be tested is that the incidence of adverse outcomes is higher in babies receiving empiric antibiotics (EA) in the first week of life compared to babies receiving placebo. The study targets a population of ELBW infants in whom the clinical decision to use or not use EA is currently most challenging -- infants that are clinically stable that did not have a known exposure to intraamniotic infection and were not born preterm for maternal indications. The primary outcome is the composite outcome of late-onset sepsis (LOS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), or death during the index hospitalization. Secondary safety outcomes will include total antibiotic days, days to full enteral feedings, and common morbidities in preterm infants that have previously been linked to EA, e.g. retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Weight and length z-score, and head circumference, are standard measures to be collected weekly by clinical team per a standardized protocol.
Extremely low birth weight (ELBW), birth weight less than or equal to 1000 g, infants are at high risk for developing brain injury in the first week of life. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) are the most common injuries in this group of infants. Their incidence is inversely proportional to gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW). These lesions are associated with neurodevelopmental delay, poor cognitive performance, visual and hearing impairment, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy; and instability of systemic hemodynamics during transition from intra- to extra-uterine life and during the early neonatal period is believed to be at their genesis. While the incidence of ultrasound- diagnosed cystic PVL has decreased dramatically over the last 2 decades, diffuse PVL detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is still prevalent in survivors of neonatal intensive care. Moreover, PVL, even when non-cystic, is associated with decreased cortical complexity and brain volume and eventual neurocognitive impairment. Currently, clinicians lack the tools to detect changes in cerebral perfusion prior to irreversible injury. Unfortunately, the incidence of brain injury in ELBW infants has remained relatively stable. Once translated to the bedside, the goal of this research is to develop a monitoring system that will allow researchers to identify infants most at risk for IVH and PVL and in the future, intervention studies will be initiated to use the changes in cerebral perfusion to direct hemodynamic management. The purpose of this study is to first understand the physiology of brain injury and then to eventually impact the outcomes in this high-risk group of infants by assessing the ability of the diastolic closing margin (DCM), a non-invasive estimate of brain perfusion pressure, to predict hemorrhagic and ischemic brain injury in ELBW infants. The information collected for this study will help develop algorithms or monitoring plans that will maintain the appropriate brain perfusion pressure and thereby, prevent severe brain injury.
This study is a 2-arm randomized, controlled, multi-center clinical trial to determine which of two strategies at birth are best to optimally aerate the lung of preterm infants. Specifically we will determine in 600 infants of 23-26 weeks gestational age (GA) requiring respiratory support at birth which of two lung opening strategies - either a standard PEEP/CPAP of 5-7 cm H2O in the delivery room (DR), as compared to early lung recruitment using Sustained Inflation (SI) in the DR, will result in a lower rate of the combined endpoint of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks gestational age. Hypotheses: 1. Early lung recruitment with SI superimposed upon standard PEEP/CPAP in the DR will reduce the need for mechanical ventilation in the first seven days of life, and reduce need for surfactant use; and 2. A policy of DR SI on standard PEEP/CPAP recruitment will confer better outcomes at 36 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA) than standard PEEP/CPAP
This study explores the relationship between iron deficiency and neurological outcome of extremely premature infants. Premature birth occurs during a critical period of brain development and maturation, and before adequate transfer of iron across the placenta. Nutrition has a significant impact on ultimate outcome of survivors of prematurity. One of the biomarkers of nutrition in the premature infant is iron, and iron supplementation is essential for growth and brain development at low gestational age. As a result, the Committee on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends daily oral iron supplementation, of at least 2-4 mg/kg/day from 2 weeks of age, to prevent iron deficiency in extremely premature infants. Nevertheless, studies have shown that even with this regular care dose of iron, started from 2 weeks of age, a significant number of premature infants will still develop iron-deficiency. Our hypothesis states that starting high dose iron supplementation early will improve neurological development and outcome in extremely premature infants (those born at less than 28 weeks gestational age). This study will provide data showing whether individualized iron supplementation using higher doses of iron, started earlier (after the first week of life) when guided by periodic screening of their body's iron status with ferritin levels, will mitigate iron deficiency and promote improved neurodevelopmental outcome in this vulnerable infant population.
Antenatal family counseling for anticipated extremely preterm deliveries remains ethically and practically challenging for maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists alike. The overall goal of this project is to improve antenatal counseling and counseling outcomes for families facing anticipated extremely preterm delivery through innovative, interdisciplinary simulation-based education for maternal fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists, using language preferred by families, and focusing on eliciting values and building partnerships through advanced communication and relational skills.
The highest risk for perinatal brain injury occurs among extremely premature infants who weigh less than 1250 grams at birth. Such perinatal brain injury is currently irreversible, associated with neurodevelopmental disability, and without adequate treatment modalities. Research in recent years suggest in both animal and human studies that erythropoietin (Epo) may have significant neuroprotective effects. Given the historical safe medical profile of Epo when used for anemia of prematurity but the likely need for a greater dosage regimen for activation of neuroprotective pathways against neonatal brain injury, we therefore propose this phase II study of high-dose Epo in very low birth weight infants for the prevention and/or attenuation of prematurity-related cerebral hemorrhagic-ischemic injury.
To evaluate the duration to reach full feeds by comparing continuous gavage feeds versus bolus feeds in preterm infants who are on non-invasive respiratory support (RAM cannula - short binasal prongs).
This is a masked randomized clinical trial in which extremely preterm infants fed human milk will be randomly assigned to receive either the highest (intervention group) or lowest (control group) vitamin D dose recommended during the first 14 days after birth.
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), is a technology that can provide continuous, non-invasive monitoring of oxygenation in tissue. The objective of this study is to obtain the cerebral regional oxygen saturation (cRSO2) in a preterm population that is born at altitude to determine if the range of "normal" values is different than those obtained at sea level.
The central hypothesis of this clinical trial is that, in extremely preterm infants, protein-enriched human milk diets compared to usual human milk diets during the first 2 weeks after birth increase fat-free mass (FFM)-for-age Z scores and promote maturation of the gut microbiome at term corrected age.
This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing standard fortification of donor breast milk to targeted fortification of donor breast milk in preterm infants. The purpose of the study is to determine if there is a benefit to target fortifying donor breast milk in the preterm population. The investigators hypothesize that infants receiving targeted fortification of donor breast milk will have improved growth compared to infants receiving standard fortification of donor breast milk.
Investigators hypothesize that premature newborns with poor cardiopulmonary performance have higher morbidities and poorer physical and cognitive developmental outcomes. Investigators further hypothesize that audible sounds combined with novel inaudible vibrations above and below human perception interpreted with transparent and auditable AI algorithms can detect and identify early gas and fluid movement anomalies not uncovered by conventional tools in an non-invasive, easy, fast, and low cost examination.
This is a Phase 3, randomized, masked, active-controlled, multicenter trial designed to determine whether early intratracheal administration of a combination of budesonide with surfactant, as compared to surfactant alone, will reduce the incidence of physiologic bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death by 36 weeks' post-menstrual age in extremely preterm infants.