Using milrinone to prevent complications after heart surgery in very premature infants
Official title: 1/2 Milrinone for Prevention of Post-Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure Syndrome in Extremely Preterm Infants (MIDAS Trial) – CCC
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10806032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $342,731 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3HL166579-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10806032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not extremely premature or do not require surgery for patent ductus arteriosus may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcnamara, Patrick J — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Mcnamara, Patrick J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection in pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth
This grant studies whether screening pregnant people for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating those who are positive can reduce the risk of preterm birth.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Brain injury risk in preterm babies with heart disease and how surgery choices affect their brains
This project follows newborns with congenital heart disease born early to understand how their brains are affected and how different surgical approaches might influence outcomes.
-
Xylitol to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
A safe, inexpensive chewable gum approach using xylitol is tested to help pregnant people reduce gum disease and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health problems.
-
Screening and treatment for Chlamydia infection to help prevent preterm birth
A study in pregnant people will test whether screening for Chlamydia trachomatis and treating it during pregnancy can reduce the risk of babies being born too early.
-
PREEMIE PROGRESS: a family program to help parents of very preterm babies
A family-centered program that teaches parents how to care for very preterm infants, offers psychosocial support, and connects families with resources to address social needs.
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.