Evaluating pain in very premature infants during neonatal care

Assessment of the NIPE in Very Premature Infant Ventilated and Sedated in Neonatal Reanimation.

Observational University Hospital, Lille · NCT05223790

This study is testing a new way to measure pain in very premature babies by looking at their heart rate to see if it can help improve their comfort during medical care.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages0 Days to 7 Days
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Lille Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lille)
Trial IDNCT05223790 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study assesses the Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE) as a method to measure heart rate variability in very premature infants who are ventilated and sedated in neonatal reanimation. The NIPE provides a score indicating the level of parasympathetic activity, which can help evaluate pain and discomfort during neonatal care procedures. The study aims to validate this method specifically for infants born before 34 weeks of gestation and under 7 days old. By analyzing the heart rate variability, the study seeks to improve pain management in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants born very prematurely (before 34 weeks of gestation), aged 7 days or younger, who are admitted to neonatal reanimation and are sedated, intubated, and ventilated.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those receiving high-frequency oscillation ventilation or those with non-sinusoidal heart rates.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance pain assessment and management in very premature infants, leading to improved neonatal care outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the NIPE method has not been previously validated in this specific population, similar approaches to pain measurement in neonates have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Infant born very premature before 34 weeks of amenorrhoea + 0 day
* Age ≤ 7 days
* Admitted in neonatal reanimation
* Sedated, intubated, ventilated

Exclusion Criteria:

* High frequency oscillation ventilation
* Heart rate non sinusal
* Inotropes and atropine
* Opposition from the guardian of parental authority
* Difficulty of comprehension or communication making the parental information impossible

Where this trial is running

Lille

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 NeonatalPain MeasurementReanimationNIPENewborn Infant Parasympathetic EvaluationPain measurementNeonatal care
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.