Using shorter courses of ampicillin to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in preterm infants
Official title: Short-course ampicillin in preterm neonates to promote antimicrobial stewardship
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11051363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether giving preterm babies a shorter 24-hour course of ampicillin can still treat infections effectively while reducing their exposure to antibiotics, which can sometimes cause health problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 3, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $154,862 |
| NIH project number | 1K23HD113839-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who require antibiotic treatment for infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preterm or do not require antibiotic treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a shorter course of ampicillin in preterm infants to minimize unnecessary antibiotic exposure, which can lead to serious health issues. The study aims to determine if a 24-hour course of ampicillin can effectively provide the necessary therapeutic levels for 48 hours, ensuring safety and efficacy. By employing population pharmacokinetic modeling and conducting a pilot clinical trial, the research seeks to confirm that this approach can safely reduce antibiotic use while still treating infections effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risks associated with excessive antibiotic use in preterm infants, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in optimizing antibiotic use in pediatric populations, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in neonatal care.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boutzoukas, Angelique Eleni — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Boutzoukas, Angelique Eleni
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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.