Lung Volume Changes in Stable Preterm Infants Positioned in Car Seats

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ZURICH · Dec 4, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the position of preterm infants in car seats affects their lung volume, which is important for safe breathing. Premature infants, those born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, are often sent home in car seats that are typically designed for full-term babies. The researchers want to find out if lying back in a car seat can lead to changes in how well these infants breathe. They will use a special technique called electrical impedance tomography, which helps measure lung volume in a safe way.

To participate in this study, infants must be born prematurely, with a gestational age of up to 36 weeks and weighing less than 2.5 kg. They should be ready to go home from the hospital within 48 hours and have consent from their parents or guardians. However, infants with serious lung problems or other severe conditions may not be eligible. Parents who join the study can expect to help the researchers understand how to keep their babies safe and healthy during car rides.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Gestational age up to 36 6/7 weeks at birth and/or birthweight \< 2.5 kg
• • Preterm born infants fulfilling all criteria for discharge from the NICU
• • Discharge home planned within 48 hours
• • Written informed consent by one or both parents or legal guardians as documented by signature.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe malformation adversely affecting lung aeration or malformations limiting life expectancy.
• • Inability of the parents to understand the study procedures due to cognitive or linguistic reasons.