Early DHA/ARA Supplementation in Growth-restricted Very Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · Jan 5, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how early supplementation of a type of fatty acid called DHA might help very preterm infants who are not growing well. These infants are born early (between 22 to 32 weeks of pregnancy) and often have low body fat, which can affect their growth and development after birth. The research aims to find out if giving these infants DHA through their feedings can help them grow better, especially in terms of head size, without negatively impacting their body fat.

The study is open to infants who are very preterm and have a birth weight below the 25th percentile for their age. However, babies with serious birth defects or terminal illnesses are not eligible to participate. Families who join the study can expect to have their infants randomly assigned to receive either DHA supplements or standard nutrition, and the researchers will closely monitor their growth over time. This trial is an important step in understanding how to better support the growth of vulnerable preterm infants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Gestational ages between 22 0/7 - 32 6/7 weeks gestation
• • \< 25th centile birthweight
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Major congenital/chromosomal anomalies
• • Terminal illness in which decisions to withhold or limit support have been made