Assessing lung volume changes in preterm infants in car seats
Lung Volume Changes in Stable Preterm Infants Positioned in Car Seats - A Prospective Observational Study
This study is testing how sitting in a car seat affects the lung capacity of stable preterm infants to see if it causes any breathing problems.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT06724601 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates how the positioning of stable preterm infants in car seats affects their lung volume. Using electrical impedance tomography, the researchers will measure changes in end-expiratory lung volume as infants transition from a supine position to a semi-upright position in a car seat. The study aims to determine if this positioning negatively impacts lung aeration and ventilation, potentially leading to breathing difficulties. Measurements will be taken before, during, and after the transition to assess the effects of car seat positioning on lung function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are preterm infants born at or before 36 weeks' gestational age who are ready for discharge from the NICU.
Not a fit: Patients with severe malformations affecting lung function or those unable to understand the study procedures will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the safety and respiratory health of preterm infants during transport.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on car seat safety for preterm infants exist, this specific approach using electrical impedance tomography is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Gestational age up to 36 6/7 weeks at birth and/or birthweight \< 2.5 kg * Preterm born infants fulfilling all criteria for discharge from the NICU * Discharge home planned within 48 hours * Written informed consent by one or both parents or legal guardians as documented by signature. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe malformation adversely affecting lung aeration or malformations limiting life expectancy. * Inability of the parents to understand the study procedures due to cognitive or linguistic reasons.
Where this trial is running
Zurich
- University Hospital Zurich — Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Christoph M Rüegger, PD Dr. med.
- Email: christoph.rueegger@usz.ch
- Phone: +41432539810
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.