Comparing two IV lipid infusions for very preterm or very low birth weight infants

Lipid Infusions to Optimize Nutrition (LION) and Minimize Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and Neurodevelopmental Impairment in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial

PHASE2 · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT06915441

This study will try two types of intravenous lipid emulsions (mixed-oil vs soybean-oil) in extremely preterm or very low birth weight infants to see which better prevents bronchopulmonary dysplasia and supports growth and brain development.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment230 (estimated)
Ages12 Hours to 28 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (other)
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06915441 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Very preterm or very low birth weight infants who survive the first day of life will receive one of two intravenous lipid emulsions (mixed oil lipid emulsion, MOLE, versus soybean oil–based lipid emulsion, SOLE) as part of their nutrition. The trial will compare survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia, blood fatty acid profiles, and early biochemical markers of oxidative stress between the two groups. Longer-term outcomes include discharge growth and neurodevelopment measured by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development IV at two years. The intervention is intended to determine whether changing the lipid composition of parenteral nutrition alters pulmonary outcomes, neonatal morbidities, and longer-term developmental outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Infants who are born at the enrolling hospital before 28 weeks gestation or with birth weight ≤1000 g and who survive at least 12 hours after birth and can be enrolled within 96 hours are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Infants with major congenital anomalies, overt non-bacterial infection, those likely to be withdrawn from intensive care, or those who cannot be enrolled within the allowed time window are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the MOLE approach could reduce lung disease and improve growth and neurodevelopment in extremely preterm or very low birth weight infants.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown that mixed-oil emulsions can alter fatty acid profiles and reduce some inflammatory markers, but evidence that they reduce BPD or improve long-term neurodevelopment is limited and not conclusive.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* inborn \<28 weeks gestational age (GA) or ≤1000g birth weight (BW)
* survives until 12 hours after birth.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infants who are unable to be enrolled by 96 hours postnatal age
* Major anomaly
* Overt non-bacterial infection
* Infants likely to expire soon defined as limiting or withdrawal of intensive care recommended or requested by the parents.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Neurodevelopmental Impairment, soybean oil-based lipid emulsion, mixed oil lipid emulsion

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.