Treatment Trials

164 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions

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UNKNOWN
Gluconeogenesis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Who Are Receiving Nutrition By Intravenous Infusion
Description

RATIONALE: Very low birth weight infants have problems maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Gluconeogenesis is the production of sugar from amino acids and fats. The best combination of amino acids, fat, and sugar to help very low birth weigh infants maintain normal blood sugar levels is not yet known. PURPOSE: Clinical trial to study how very low birth weight infants break down amino acids, fat, and sugar given by intravenous infusion, and the effect of different combinations of nutrients on the infants' ability to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

COMPLETED
Mentors Offering Maternal Support (M-O-M-S™): A Prenatal Program for Decreasing Maternal Anxiety and Depression
Description

The M-O-M-S project evaluates the effectiveness of the M-O-M-S program for improving birth outcomes and maternal-infant attachment and role satisfaction in a large military sample.

COMPLETED
Bilirubin Binding Capacity to Assess Bilirubin Load in Preterm Infants
Description

Most preterm newborns are managed by phototherapy to reverse hyperbilirubinemia with the intent to prevent bilirubin neurotoxicity. A threshold-based relationship between a specific total bilirubin level and need for intervention has been elusive. This is most likely due to other biomarkers such as hemolysis, developmental maturation, concurrent illnesses, or even interventions, may impede bilirubin/albumin binding. The over-prescription of phototherapy has impacted clinical and family-centered care, and in the extreme preterm infants, it may have augmented their risk of mortality. Thus, the opportunity to individualize phototherapy in in order to reduce its use is unique. The investigators have assembled a transdisciplinary team to examine critical unanswered questions including the role of bilirubin binding capacity (BBC) of an individual during the first week of life in the context of clinical modifiers and antecedents for a domain of bilirubin-induced neurologic disorders, that includes neuro-anatomical, hearing, visual and developmental processing impairments. In this study, the investigator will evaluate two new innovative nanotechniques to quantify bilirubin load for the first time in the context of a clinical decision algorithm to identify those most at risk for any bilirubin-related neurotoxicity. The investigators anticipate that knowledge gained from this study will lead to ethically testable hypotheses to individualize the prescription of phototherapy.

COMPLETED
Development of a Nationally Scalable Model of Group Prenatal Care to Improve Birth Outcomes: "Expect With Me"
Description

This study addresses the intractable challenges of adverse birth outcomes, including preterm delivery and low birthweight, by proposing the development, implementation and evaluation of a model of group prenatal care that could be scaled nationally. Group prenatal care models have been demonstrated through rigorous research to provide significantly improved birth outcomes with implications for maternal-child health and substantial cost savings. However, group prenatal care is currently available to only a small fraction of the more than four million women who give birth annually in the US. Through the development, implementation and evaluation of a new model of group prenatal care, we will create an outcomes-focused model of group prenatal care that will be scalable nationally with an eye toward improving US birth outcomes. The long-term objective of the proposed study is to reduce the risk for adverse perinatal outcomes during and after pregnancy among women and families receiving prenatal care in health centers in 3 geographic locations serving vulnerable populations: Hidalgo County Texas, Nashville Tennessee, and Detroit Michigan. We will develop, disseminate, and evaluate a new and improved model of group prenatal care, "Expect with Me," based on our previous research on group models of prenatal care, which has already yielded favorable behavioral and biological results in two randomized controlled trials. We hypothesize that, relative to women who receive standard individual prenatal care, the women who receive "Expect with Me" group prenatal care will be significantly more likely to: 1. have better perinatal outcomes, including better health behaviors during pregnancy (e.g., nutrition, physical activity), better birth outcomes (e.g., decreased preterm labor, low birthweight, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stays), and better postpartum indicators (e.g., increased breastfeeding); 2. report greater change in risk-related behaviors and psychosocial characteristics that could be considered potential mechanisms for the program's effectiveness; 3. have lower rates of sexually transmitted diseases and rapid repeat pregnancy one year postpartum; 4. have lower healthcare costs through improved outcomes (e.g., appropriate care utilization, fewer complications, reduced NICU admissions/length of stays) Comparisons based on propensity-score matched sample of women receiving standard individual prenatal care at the same clinical sites.

COMPLETED
Physiologic Definition of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Description

This observational study was conducted to design and test a physiologic definition for bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks of life. Infants were studied in a supine position with the pulse oximeter in position with good signal prior to collecting baseline data. Feedings and medications were given 30 minutes before the evaluation. Baseline data was collected on infant's current oxygen. Then, the infants were weaned to room air for 30 minutes. If saturations remain ≥90%, the infant was considered to have passed the oxygen reduction challenge (to NOT have BPD). The infant should then be placed back in his/her baseline oxygen. If the infant has saturations \<90% for 5 continuous minutes or \<80% for 15 seconds, the infant should be immediately placed back in his/her baseline oxygen, and the infant was considered to have NOT passed the challenge (to have BPD).

COMPLETED
Delivery Room CPAP in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Description

This pilot study was designed to determine the feasibility of randomizing extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants \<28 weeks' gestation who required resuscitation to one of two resuscitation methods, either: (a) 100% oxygen by facemask and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or positive pressure ventilation (PPV) with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), if the infant required PPV (the intervention group); or (b) 100% oxygen and no CPAP and no PEEP if the infant required PPV (the control group).

COMPLETED
Observational Study of Surgical Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolotis
Description

The purposes of this study were: 1) to compare mortality and postoperative morbidities in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants who underwent initial laparotomy or drainage for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or isolated intestinal perforation (IP); 2) to determine the ability to distinguish NEC from IP preoperatively and the importance of this distinction on outcome measures; and 3) to evaluate the association between extent of intestinal disease determined at operation and outcome measures. All ELBW infants born at participating NRN centers were screened for the presence of NEC or IP that was thought by the pediatric surgeon and neonatologist to require surgical intervention. Data were collected enrolled infants, including: intraoperative findings recorded by the surgeon and specific post-operative complications. Neurodevelopmental examinations were conducted on surviving infants at 18-22 months corrected age.

COMPLETED
Delayed Cord Clamping in VLBW Infants
Description

This study tested the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial to vary the timing that doctors clamp the umbilical cord after birth in extremely low birthweight infants. The study also tested whether delaying cord clamping by 30-35 seconds and holding the newborn approximately 10 inches below the birth canal would result in increased hematocrit at 4 hours of age.

COMPLETED
The Effects of Erythropoietin (EPO) on the Transfusion Requirements of Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Description

This study tested the safety and efficacy of transfusing erythropoietin (Epo) and iron in infants of \<1,250g birth weight. For infants 401-1,000g birth weight, we tested whether early erythropoietin (Epo) and iron therapy would decrease the number of transfusions received. For infants 1,001-1,250g birth weight, we tested whether early erythropoietin (Epo) and iron therapy would decrease the percentage of infants who received any transfusions.

COMPLETED
In Utero Magnesium Sulfate Exposure: Effects on Extremely-Low-Birth-Weight Infants
Description

This study examined the effect of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) exposure on adverse outcome in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. For infants included in the NICHD Neonatal Research Network Generic Database whose mothers were given prenatal MgSO4, data were prospectively collected on maternal/infant conditions and magnesium exposure (including indications, timing and duration of exposure).

COMPLETED
Vitamin A Supplementation for Extremely-Low-Birth-Weight Infants
Description

This multi-site, randomized trial was conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of a higher dose of vitamin A and determine if this would increase the rate of survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and reduce the risk of sepsis. Infants with birth weights from 401-1000g and who were on mechanical ventilation or supplemental oxygen at 24-96 hours of age were enrolled. Subjects were randomized to either the Vitamin A or a control group. Infants in the Vitamin A group were given a dose of 5000 IU (0.1 ml) intramuscularly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for four weeks. Control infants received a sham procedure rather than placebo injections.

COMPLETED
Growth Observational Study
Description

This study was a multicenter, prospective cohort study to define postnatal longitudinal growth for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The objectives were: 1) to develop postnatal growth curves for VLBW preterm infants that would permit an assessment of growth velocity; 2) to relate growth velocity and nutritional practices (duration of parenteral nutrition, age at first enteral feeding, and age at full enteral feeding); 3) to compare growth velocity in infants who are small-for-gestational age (SGA) with infants who are appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA); and 4) to relate growth velocity to several common, major morbidities, including chronic lung disease (CLD), nosocomial infection (or late-onset infection) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). These growth data may be useful in identifying preterm infants who are growing slowly despite current nutritional support and in designing and performing clinical trials of nutritional interventions.

COMPLETED
Development of Standards for the New Ballard Maturation Score
Description

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of gestational age (GA) estimates by using the New Ballard Score (NBS) in newborns 24 to 27 weeks GA with accurate obstetric estimates of GA. Secondary purposes were: (1) to compare the accuracy of GA estimates derived from the NBS, the original Ballard score, and the physical items of the original Ballard score and (2) to compare these measures of GA and best obstetric estimates of GA as predictors of survival, morbidity, and hospital stay among infants \<28 weeks' gestation and among very low birth weight infants in general.

COMPLETED
Supplemental Therapeutic Oxygen for Prethreshold Retinopathy of Prematurity
Description

The purpose of this trial was to determine the efficacy and safety of supplemental therapeutic oxygen for infants with prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) to reduce the probability of progression to threshold ROP and the need for peripheral retinal ablation.

COMPLETED
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) Observational Study
Description

This study was an observational study to estimate the prevalence of Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) among term or near-term infants with severe respiratory disease.

COMPLETED
Exosurf Neonatal and Survanta for Treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Description

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of two surfactants, Exosurf Neonatal (Burroughs Wellcome Co.) and Survanta (Ross Laboratories), for the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

COMPLETED
Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) to Prevent Neonatal Infection
Description

A controlled clinical trial was conducted at eight participating centers between January 1, 1988, and March 31, 1991. Patients were randomly assigned to an intravenous immune globulin group or a control group. There were two phases to the study (see below). During phase 1 the control infants received infusions of placebo. During phase 2 the control infants received no infusion therapy.

COMPLETED
Inflammatory Cytokines Associated With Perinatal Brain Injury
Description

This observational study assessed whether measurements of certain pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the blood (either singly or in combination) at birth and/or up to day of life 21 can predict cerebral palsy at 18-22 months corrected age.

COMPLETED
Multi-dose Pharmacokinetics and Dose Ranging of Inositol in Premature Infants (INS-2)
Description

This pilot study is a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial to measure changes in blood and urine levels of inositol in premature infants at high risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) following repeated doses of inositol. Based on previous studies, the premise is that maintaining inositol concentrations similar to those occurring naturally in utero will reduce the rates of ROP and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants. The objective is to evaluate pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical outcomes of multiple doses of three different dose amounts of myo-inositol (provided by Abbott Laboratories) in very low birth weight premature infants. This study will enroll an estimated 96 infants at 17 NICHD Neonatal Research Network sites. Infants will be randomly assigned to receive either 10 mg/kg of 5% inositol, 40 mg/kg of 5% inositol, 80 mg/kg of 5% inositol, or 5% glucose given in the same volumes and timings as the inositol dosage to maintain masking. Enrollees will receive their assigned dose or placebo daily, starting within 72 hours of birth, and continuing until they reach 34 weeks post-menstrual age, 10 weeks chronologic age, or until the time of hospital discharge, whichever occurs first. The study drug will be administered first intravenously; as the infants progress to full feeding, the drug will be given enterally (orally or via feeding tube). Enrollees will be seen for a follow-up examination at 18-22 months corrected age. This pilot study is in preparation for a future Phase III multi-center randomized controlled trial.

COMPLETED
Laparotomy vs. Drainage for Infants With Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Description

This study will compare the effectiveness of two surgical procedures -laparotomy versus drainage - commonly used to treat necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or isolated intestinal perforations (IP) in extremely low birth weight infants (≤1,000 g). Infants diagnosed with NEC or IP requiring surgical intervention, will be recruited. Subjects will be randomized to receive either a laparotomy or peritoneal drainage. Primary outcome is impairment-free survival at 18-22 months corrected age.

COMPLETED
Early Blood Pressure Management in Extremely Premature Infants
Description

This trial tests the feasibility of enrolling 60 extremely preterm infants in a randomized, double-blinded study of blood pressure management within 12 months. Eligible infants will receive an infusion drug (dopamine or a dextrose placebo) and a syringe drug (hydrocortisone or a normal saline placebo). Enrolled infants will be randomized to receive one of the following drug pairs: * dopamine and hydrocortisone * dopamine and normal saline * dextrose and hydrocortisone * dextrose and normal saline. In addition to the intervention above, the NRN is conducting a 6-month time-limited prospective observational study of all infants born at an NRN center between 23 and 26 weeks gestational age. All clinical decisions made for these babies will be at the discretion of the attending neonatologist/infant care team according to standard practice at each institution. Data on blood pressure management in the first 24 postnatal hours collected for each infant.

COMPLETED
Early-Onset Sepsis Surveillance Study
Description

In this observational study, the NICHD Neonatal Research Network (NRN) is conducting surveillance of all infants born at NRN centers to identify all newborns who are diagnosed with early-onset sepsis (EOS) and/or meningitis. The study will: establish current hospital-based rates of EOS among term and preterm infants in the era of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis; monitor the organisms associated with EOS and meningitis; compare asymptomatic and symptomatic infants by gestational age and pathogen; and monitor sepsis-associated mortality rates by pathogen group.

COMPLETED
Cerebral Function Monitoring in Premature Infants
Description

This observational study tests the feasibility of enrolling subjects and obtaining an amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) within the first 72 hours of life, a second aEEG recording between 72-168 hours of life, and weekly thereafter up to 36 weeks post-menstrual age. It will enroll 85-100 infants between 401-1,000 grams birth weight OR between 23 0/7 and 28 6/7 weeks gestational age born at the 7 participating NICHD Neonatal Research Network sites.

COMPLETED
Single-Dose Intravenous Inositol Pharmacokinetics in Preterm Infants
Description

This pilot study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial to measure changes in blood and urine levels of inositol in premature infants at high risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) following a single intravenous dose of inositol. Based on previous studies, the premise is that maintaining inositol concentrations similar to those occurring naturally in utero will reduce the rates of ROP and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants. The objective was to evaluate the single-dose pharmacokinetics and safety of different amounts of intravenous myo-inositol (provided by Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories) in very low birth weight neonates, in preparation for a future Phase III multi-center randomized controlled trial. This study enrolled 74 infants at high risk for retinopathy at 9 NICHD Neonatal Research Network sites, and randomly assigned them to receive either 60mg/kg of 5% inositol, 120 mg/kg of 5% inositol, 60 mg/kg of 5% glucose (the placebo), or 120 mg/kg of 5% glucose.

COMPLETED
Immunogenicity of PCV-7 Vaccine in VLBW Infants
Description

Premature infants are at a high risk for pneumonia. The PCV-7 vaccine effectively prevents the invasive disease from Streptococcus pneumoniae in full-term infants, but was not thoroughly studied in premature infants. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine given in routine practice to very low birth weight infants, looking at blood antibody levels 4-6 weeks after the final vaccine dose, and adverse events, survival, infections, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18-22 months corrected age.

COMPLETED
Trial of Aggressive Versus Conservative Phototherapy in Infants <1,000 Grams Birth Weight
Description

This multi-center, randomized clinical trial compared different bilirubin levels as thresholds for timing of phototherapy in extremely low birth weight infants. The primary hypothesis was that there would be no difference in death or neurodevelopmental impairment at 18-22 months corrected age in infants treated by either aggressive or conservative threshold limits. 1,978 infants were enrolled.

COMPLETED
Early Diagnosis of Candidiasis in Premature Infants
Description

This observational study evaluated the performance of new lab tests in detecting candida species fungal infections in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants quickly and accurately. 19 NICHD Neonatal Research Network sites enrolled 1,500 infants with birth weights ≤1,000g; 100 of these infants later tested positive for candidiasis. Blood, urine, and lumbar puncture samples were collected whenever other specimens were obtained from participants for cultures. These samples are being tested using the new methods and compared with standard culture results. Surviving study subjects completed a neurodevelopmental evaluation at 18-22 months corrected age.

COMPLETED
Benchmarking Initiative to Reduce Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Description

This study tested whether Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) teams trained in benchmarking -- comparing care practices between different NICUs to see which practices prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) -- and quality improvement would change practices and improve rates of survival without BPD in inborn neonates with birth weights of \<1250 grams. Benchmarking is a method involving detailed comparisons of processes between similar organizations. For this study, three NRN centers with the lowest rates of BPD have been identified as Benchmark centers. During a 6-month pre-intervention period, details of care practices and management style at these centers were carefully assessed. Based on practices at these Benchmarking sites, we developed a quality improvement program. For this study, 14 other NRN sites were randomized to either implement the benchmarking intervention (intervention sites) or continue with their usual care practices (control sites). After the 1-year intervention period, we compared changes in the rate of survival without BPD at 36 weeks corrected age between the intervention and control sites.

RECRUITING
Generic Database of Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Description

The Generic Database (GDB) is a registry of very low birth weight infants born alive in NICHD Neonatal Research Network (NRN) centers. The GDB collects observational baseline data on both mothers and infants, and the therapies used and outcomes of the infants. The information collected is not specific to a disease or treatment (i.e., it is "generic"). Data are analyzed to find associations and trends between baseline information, treatments, and infant outcome, and to develop future NRN trials.

TERMINATED
Inhaled Nitric Oxide for Preterm Infants With Severe Respiratory Failure
Description

This multicenter trial tested whether inhaled nitric oxide would reduce death or the need for oxygen in preterm infants (less than 34 weeks gestational age) with severe lung disease.