Caffeine treatment for premature infants at birth

The Caffeine Therapy in the Fetal to Neonatal Transition in Preterms

Phase 4 Interventional Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre · NCT05454332

This study is testing if giving caffeine to premature babies right after birth can help them breathe better and need less help with breathing compared to starting the caffeine treatment a day later.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 2 Hours
SexAll
SponsorHospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul)
Trial IDNCT05454332 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of administering caffeine to premature newborns weighing less than 1250 grams within the first two hours of life, compared to starting treatment at 24 hours. The goal is to determine if early caffeine administration can reduce the need for intubation and decrease ventilation time in these infants. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the early treatment group or a control group receiving caffeine later. The research aims to enhance the quality of care for preterm infants by identifying the optimal timing for caffeine therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are premature newborns with a birth weight of less than 1250 grams who are not intubated at birth.

Not a fit: Patients who are intubated at birth or have major congenital malformations or genetic syndromes will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved respiratory outcomes and neurodevelopmental benefits for premature infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies suggest that early caffeine administration may be beneficial, but this specific approach is being further evaluated in a controlled setting.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Premature newborns with birth weight less than 1250 grams
* Who are not intubated in the delivery room

Exclusion Criteria:

* Premature newborns from other hospitals
* Presence of a major congenital malformation or genetic syndrome

Where this trial is running

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Mechanical Ventilation ComplicationCaffeineVentilator LungNewborn
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.