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Infantile NO Replenishment as a New Therapeutic Possibility

Recruiting
Conditions
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn
Prematurity
Registration Number
NCT04914806
Lead Sponsor
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Brief Summary

Case-control study of inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) treatment of full-term and preterm infants. The main objective of this study is to investigate the association between premature birth and its later comorbidities (neuroendocrine, metabolic, cognitive, etc) with iNO treatment and the maturation of the HPG axis during minipuberty.

Detailed Description

In preterm infants, inhaled NO (iNO) is routinely used to treat respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension, while preclinical studies have shown that it markedly increases NO concentrations in the brain. Animal and human studies have shown that NO deficiency may jeopardize the establishment of a mature and functional HPG axis whereas it is also associated with a series of comorbidities affecting the overall brain development (e.g. sensory, fertility and cognitive functions). Prematurity has been associated with a series of non-communicable diseases of major importance in public health, including neurodevelopmental impairments, metabolic abnormalities (e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance) and cardiovascular disease. This study aims to evaluate the associations between altered minipuberty in preterm infants and the later development of multi-comorbidities (mental and non-mental disorders), and identify the possible implication of the NO pathway as a causative mechanism.

Specific objectives :

1. Assess the efficiency of NO replenishment therapy (i.e. role of NO pathway) as a therapeutic against alterations of minipuberty resulting from preterm birth.

2. Assess the efficiency of NO replenishment therapy (i.e. role of NO pathway) as a therapeutic against the multi-comorbidities (mental and non-mental disorders) related to altered minipuberty as a result of preterm birth.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
240
Inclusion Criteria
  • Preterm (GA<37 weeks) or full-term (≥37 weeks of gestation) infants
  • Requiring respiratory support
  • Admitted to Neonatal Care Unit
Exclusion Criteria
  • Severe congenital anomalies
  • Suspected major chromosomal anomalies
  • Infants judged by the physician as nonviable

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
HOMA-IRup to 9 months

Serial measurements of blood glucose/insulin (HOMA-IR)

Gonadotrophin levelsup to 9 months of age

Serial blood levels of gonadotrophins (FSH and LH)

Bayleys scale scoreat 9 months of age

The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development will be used to assess neurodevelopment. Values \<85 indicate developmental delay.

Body fat and fat-free massup to 9 months of age

Serial fat and fat-free mass measurements by air displacement plethysmography

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
gusto-facial reflexat 3 and 9 months of age

Assessment of olfaction will be performed using a citrus, vanilla or neutral odor, delivered on a cotton swab. The facial expressions in reaction to the different smells (the gusto-facial reflex) will be monitored while at rest (baseline), and in response to stimuli.

Leptin levelsup to 9 months

Serial measurements of serum leptin levels

Otoacoustic emissionsup to 9 months

Serial otoacoustic emissions as a screening test for hearing ability

Fundoscopyup to 9 months

Ophthalmological follow-up for retina and visual assessment

Trial Locations

Locations (3)

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois

🇨🇭

Lausanne, Switzerland

Centre Hospitalier Regional Et Universitaire de Lille

🇫🇷

Lille, France

URI-NKUA

🇬🇷

Athens, Greece

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