Using milrinone to prevent complications after heart surgery in very premature infants

1/2 Milrinone for Prevention of Post-Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure Syndrome in Extremely Preterm Infants (MIDAS Trial) – CCC

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-10806032

This study is looking at whether giving a heart medicine called milrinone to tiny babies who are having surgery for a heart condition can help prevent serious problems afterward, making sure they stay healthy and develop well.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10806032 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of milrinone, a medication that helps improve heart function, to prevent complications in extremely low birth weight infants who undergo surgery for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The study aims to determine if early administration of milrinone can reduce the risk of Post-Ligation Cardiac Syndrome (PLCS), which can lead to serious respiratory and developmental issues. By closely monitoring the infants' heart function and stability after surgery, the researchers hope to establish milrinone's safety and effectiveness in this vulnerable population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are extremely low birth weight infants, particularly those born under 1000 grams, who require surgical intervention for patent ductus arteriosus.

Not a fit: Patients who are not extremely premature or do not require surgery for patent ductus arteriosus may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of serious complications and improve long-term outcomes for extremely premature infants undergoing heart surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from prior observational studies suggest that milrinone may effectively reduce complications in similar patient populations, indicating a promising approach.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, 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.