Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 3 to 6

Examining attachment in children born prematurely

Official title: Attachment Representations of Children Born Prematurely in the Loire Infant Follow-up Team Cohort

Run by University Hospital, Angers · NCT04304846 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how being born prematurely affects the way young children connect with their parents and develop emotionally as they grow up.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages3 Years to 6 Years
SexAll
Enrollment90 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Angers
Government
Locations2 sites (Angers and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 7, 2021
Main results expectedJanuary 6, 2025
Study endsJanuary 6, 2027
Registry record updatedJune 11, 2024
Trial IDNCT04304846 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include children born extremely preterm (≤28 weeks) who are part of the regional monitoring network and are scheduled for follow-up consultations at ages 3 and 5.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe neurocognitive impairments or significant autism traits may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the attachment representations of children born prematurely at ages 3 and 5, focusing on their neurocognitive and behavioral development. It explores how prematurity affects parent-child interactions and the establishment of secure attachments, considering factors such as maternal sensitivity and responsiveness. The study utilizes questionnaires and interviews to gather data from parents and caregivers, providing insights into the long-term effects of prematurity on attachment. The research is conducted at Angers and Nantes University Hospitals, involving children who were part of a regional monitoring network for vulnerable newborns.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of attachment issues in prematurely born children, leading to improved support strategies for families.

How similar studies have gone: While studies on attachment in preterm infants exist, this specific approach focusing on the interplay between prematurity and attachment representations is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children born in the neonatal reanimation department of Angers and Nantes University Hospitals
* Extrem preterm infants (term of birth less than or equal to 28 weeks of amenorrhea)
* Children included in the regional monitoring network for vulnerable newborns (Réseau Grandir Ensemble en Pays de la Loire, RGE)
* Children with a follow-up consultation at age 3 scheduled as part of the classic RGE follow-up on the Angers and Nantes University Hospitals
* Informed consent dated and signed by the parents or the holder of the parental authority
* Affiliated to a Social Security scheme

Exclusion Criteria:

* Child with severe neurocognitive impairment or severe autism trait-type behavioral disorder in the 2-year RGE follow-up evaluation

Where it's running

  • University Hospital of Angers
    Angers, France
    Recruiting
  • University Hospital of Nantes
    Nantes, France
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.