Diaphragm-driven Ventilatory Assist for Preterm Babies
Official title: 1/2 The Diaphragmatic Initiated Ventilatory Assist (DIVA) Trial
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11528750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new diaphragm-initiated ventilation approach aims to reduce lung injury in preterm infants with breathing support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $19,500 |
| NIH project number | 3UH3HL152305-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11528750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Very preterm or at-risk infants with respiratory failure who require non-invasive respiratory support.
✕Less likely to help
Infants who do not require ventilation support or have conditions not addressed by this approach may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on preventing lung injury in the most vulnerable preterm babies by using a ventilation method that responds to the infant's own breathing efforts. It leverages a non-invasive strategy to provide synchronized support, potentially reducing exposure to invasive ventilation and its long-term consequences. By comparing time on ventilators and extubation success, the study seeks practical improvements in how we care for infants with respiratory failure due to bronchopulmonary dysplasia risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower lung injury, shorten hospital stays, and improve long-term breathing outcomes for preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Prior data suggest non-invasive ventilation strategies can reduce extubation failure, with synchronized methods showing promise compared to CPAP.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Foglia, Elizabeth — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Foglia, Elizabeth
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.