Metabolic Mechanisms Induced by Enteral DHA and ARA Supplementation in Preterm Infants

Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT SAN ANTONIO · May 17, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how adding certain nutrients, DHA and ARA, to the diets of premature infants affects their metabolism and overall health. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and ARA (arachidonic acid) are types of fats important for brain development and other body functions. The researchers want to see how these nutrients influence important processes in the body, like how it handles fats and manages inflammation, which can impact the infants' growth and recovery.

To be eligible for this study, infants must be born very early, specifically between 25 weeks and 29 weeks of pregnancy, and they should be less than 48 hours old when they start receiving the nutrient supplements. Infants with serious birth defects or conditions needing immediate surgery will not be included in the trial. If a baby joins the study, parents can expect close monitoring of their child's health as researchers gather information on how the supplement affects their development. It's important to know that this trial is actively recruiting participants, so there may be opportunities for families to consider if they have a qualifying infant.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • born between 25 0/7 and 29 6/7 weeks of gestation
• • less than 48 hours of age at first lipid dose (The cohort is defined by gestational age rather than birth weight to avoid an over-represented sample of growth-restricted infants in birth weight defined cohorts.)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • serious congenital anomalies
• • conditions at birth that will require surgery prior to discharge
• • imminent death such that withdrawal of intensive care support is anticipated within the first 72 hours after birth