How opioids during pregnancy affect babies' breathing development

Perinatal opioids impair maturation of vital respiratory networks

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF OREGON · NIH-10670213

This study looks at how taking opioids during pregnancy might affect babies' breathing and brain development, especially for those born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, to help improve care for these little ones.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF OREGON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (EUGENE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10670213 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of opioids taken by mothers during pregnancy on the development of respiratory control networks in their infants. It focuses on understanding how these substances affect breathing stability and the maturation of vital neural pathways responsible for respiration. Using a novel animal model, the study aims to replicate the effects of maternal opioid exposure at a critical time in fetal development, providing insights that could lead to improved clinical care for infants born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). The findings may help establish a standard treatment protocol for managing respiratory complications in these infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome due to maternal opioid use during pregnancy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome or who were not exposed to opioids in utero may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment strategies for infants affected by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, potentially improving their respiratory health and overall outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into the effects of opioids on neonatal health, this specific approach using a novel animal model to study respiratory network maturation is relatively untested.

Where this research is happening

EUGENE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.