Investigating the best treatments for acid reflux in premature infants in the NICU

Pathophysiological Evidence Driven Management of GERD in Neonatal ICU Infants: Randomized Controlled Trial

NIH-funded research Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-10927443

This study is looking to find better ways to diagnose and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in high-risk newborns in the NICU by using special tests and comparing different treatment options to help these little ones feel better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, United States)
Project IDNIH-10927443 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in high-risk infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It aims to address the limitations of current symptom-based diagnoses by using objective measures like 24-hour pH-Impedance testing. The study will compare the effectiveness of different therapies, including natural maturation, proton pump inhibitors, and thickened feeds, to determine the best approach for managing GERD in these vulnerable infants. By refining diagnostic criteria and treatment algorithms, the research seeks to provide evidence-based solutions for better patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are high-risk infants under six months corrected age who are symptomatic for GERD while in the NICU.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in the neonatal ICU or those older than six months corrected age may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and tailored treatments for GERD in neonatal ICU infants, potentially reducing hospitalization costs and improving health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on GERD treatments, this research is novel in its focus on objective diagnostic criteria and specific therapies for high-risk infants.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.