Long-term follow-up of babies born extremely preterm with early lung disease

Neonatal Research Network Data Coordinating Center (DCC) 2023-2028

NIH-funded research Research Triangle Institute · NIH-11310029

This project follows children who were born extremely preterm and took part in a hydrocortisone trial to learn how their breathing and development are doing at about 5 years old.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Triangle Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11310029 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If my child was in the original hydrocortisone trial for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), researchers will bring them back at about 5 years corrected age for in-person breathing tests, developmental and school-readiness evaluations, and parent questionnaires. The follow-up builds on detailed newborn and early-childhood data already collected by the Neonatal Research Network and uses standardized tests and medical record review. These visits aim to show how early lung disease and the treatment relate to everyday breathing, learning, and need for services at early school age. Study visits are organized through the Network's clinical sites and coordinated by the Data Coordinating Center.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children who were enrolled in the original NICHD Neonatal Research Network hydrocortisone for BPD trial and are approaching about 5 years corrected age are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children who were not part of the original trial, are outside the target age window, or cannot attend the follow-up visits are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could clarify whether early hydrocortisone treatment changes breathing, developmental skills, and the supports children need at school age.

How similar studies have performed: Previous Neonatal Research Network follow-up studies have provided important long-term outcome data, but long-term effects of neonatal hydrocortisone on school-age respiratory and developmental outcomes remain uncertain.

Where this research is happening

Research Triangle Park, 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 2026-06-13 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.