Integrated Echocardiography and Chest Ultrasound Assessment of Lung Recruitment in Preterm Infants

Launched by ALEXANDRIA UNIVERSITY · Feb 3, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a special type of breathing support called high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in preterm infants who are between 32 and 37 weeks old and experiencing moderate to severe breathing difficulties. The goal is to see how well this method helps improve their lung function. Researchers will also compare the use of chest ultrasound, a safe imaging technique, to regular chest X-rays to monitor how well the babies' lungs are recovering. Additionally, they will look at how well the babies' hearts are working using a method called functional echocardiography, which is a type of ultrasound for the heart.

To be part of this study, infants must be within the specified age range, show signs of breathing distress within the first 24 hours of life, and require breathing support with HFOV. However, babies with certain serious heart conditions or major birth defects will not be eligible. If your baby qualifies and participates, the study team will carefully monitor their breathing and heart function to gather important information that could help improve care for future preterm infants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Infants will be enrolled if they are 32 to 37 weeks of gestational age, have respiratory distress (RD) in the first 24 h of life, intubated and have invasive respiratory support using HFOV. Signs of RD are tachypnea (respiratory rate \> 60/min), grunting, nasal flaring, chest retraction, and need of oxygen supplementation or other respiratory support.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Known major congenital anomalies including congenital heart diseases.
• • 2. Fetal hydrops.
• • 3. Babies with congenital heart diseases