Comparing 30% and 60% oxygen for resuscitating very low birthweight infants

Does the Use of Higher Versus Lower Oxygen Concentration Improve Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 18-24 Months in Very Low Birthweight Infants - The HiLo-Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Alberta · NCT03825835

This study is testing whether giving very low birthweight infants 30% or 60% oxygen at birth helps them survive and develop better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1200 (estimated)
Ages0 Minutes to 10 Minutes
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations21 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 20 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03825835 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the optimal oxygen concentration for resuscitating very low birthweight infants born between 23 and 28 weeks of gestation. It aims to compare the effects of administering either 30% or 60% oxygen at birth on neurodevelopmental outcomes and mortality rates. The study addresses a critical knowledge gap in neonatal care, as current guidelines on oxygen use during resuscitation are inconsistent. By conducting a large, multi-centre international trial, the researchers hope to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians to improve care for these vulnerable infants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants born at 23 to 28 weeks of gestation who require full resuscitation and do not have major congenital abnormalities.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those who are outborn, have major congenital abnormalities, or will not receive full resuscitation at birth.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved neurodevelopmental outcomes and reduced mortality rates for very low birthweight infants.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have highlighted the need for better guidelines in oxygen resuscitation for preterm infants, indicating that this research addresses an important and previously underexplored area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Infants born at 23 0/7 weeks to 28 6/7 weeks' gestational age who will receive full resuscitation and are without major congenital abnormalities

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infants who are outborn - initial resuscitation not performed at the study centre
* Infants who are not born within the eligible gestational age range- this trial is specific to preterm infants
* Infants who are born with a major congenital abnormality- congenital abnormalities may affect oxygenation or neurodevelopmental outcomes
* Infants who will not receive full resuscitation at birth- these infants will not receive resuscitation

Where this trial is running

Calgary, Alberta and 20 other locations

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 Premature InfantRespiratory Distress Syndrome in Premature InfantNeurodevelopmental OutcomeDelivery RoomResuscitationOxygen
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.