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  4. Research in the NICU

Research in the NICU

Below is list of the current studies that the NICU Clinical Research team are performing. If you are interested in letting your baby be a part of one of these studies or would like more information, please call UAMS NICU Research at 501-296-1389.

“ConNECtion” study

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious and life-threatening disease of preterm babies that is often fatal. To this day, there is still no known way to prevent NEC. This study is being done to determine if the study drug can prevent NEC. The study drug IBP-9414 is a form of probiotic that contains live Lactobacillus reuteri bacteria. L. reuteri bacteria lives naturally in human gut, is found in breast milk and is already sold over-the-counter.

This study is currently enrolling premature babies with gestational age between 23 weeks to 32 weeks with a birth weight of 500 grams and 1500 grams. The enrollment timeline is within 48 hours of birth.

“Footprints” study

When babies are born prematurely, they lose important factors such as proteins, growth factors and cytokines that are normally found while in mom’s belly. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is one of those factors. It is normally transferred to the baby through the placenta and it promotes organ development and fetal growth.

There is a decrease in IGF-1 levels when babies are born extremely prematurely which can be associated with complications of prematurity. The Footprints study is being done to assess if increasing infant’s IGF-1 levels using the study drug can decrease the burden of chronic lung disease (CLD) and other complications of prematurity.

The study is currently enrolling premature babies with gestational age between 26 weeks to 27 weeks. The enrollment timeline is within 24 hours of birth.

AeroFact study

Premature babies are born with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and are usually given surfactant at birth through a breathing tube into the trachea. Surfactant is something our lungs normally have but premature babies need it to help their lungs work properly. This study is to watch how Aerofact (an aerosolized surfactant) is given, using a specific nebulizer with a nasal cannula interface.

This is an upcoming study, with anticipated enrollment of premature babies with gestational age of 26 weeks to 30 weeks.

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