The NEU-STIM Trial

Launched by LEIDEN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Jul 11, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The NEU-STIM Trial is a research study looking at how different types of gentle touch (called tactile stimulation) can help improve the oxygen levels in premature infants shortly after they are born. Specifically, the study will compare two kinds of touch to see which one is more effective. This trial includes infants who are born before 32 weeks of pregnancy, and parents will need to give their permission for their child to participate.

To join the study, infants must be born early but should not have certain breathing or heart problems that could make their condition worse. During the trial, participating hospitals will follow a specific plan to provide the tactile stimulation to the infants. If your baby is eligible and participates, you can expect them to receive extra gentle touch to see if it helps them breathe better and get more oxygen right after birth. This study is important because it may help improve care for premature babies in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Infants born before 32 weeks of gestation can be included in this trial after parental consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Infants will be excluded if they are found to have a congenital abnormality or condition that has an adverse effect on breathing/ventilation or oxygenation, including: congenital diaphragmatic hernia, trachea-oesophageal fistula, cyanotic heart disease and surfactant protein deficiency. Many of the infants enrolled in the study will later be diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS); this will not render them ineligible for inclusion.