Examining brown fat and energy use in newborns
An Examination of Brown Adipose Tissue and Energy Expenditure in Infants
Pennington Biomedical Research Center · NCT05517967
This study looks at how brown fat develops in newborns and how it affects their energy use, to see if certain factors can help reduce the risk of obesity later on.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 5 Weeks |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Pennington Biomedical Research Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT05517967 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the development of brown adipose tissue in infants and its impact on energy expenditure. It aims to identify maternal and neonatal factors that influence the growth of brown fat and to measure how this tissue responds to mild cold exposure. The study will involve up to 60 infants aged 0-3 weeks, utilizing advanced techniques to assess body composition and metabolic rates under different temperature conditions. By understanding these factors, the research seeks to shed light on the origins of obesity risk starting from infancy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants aged 0 to less than 3 weeks who can safely undergo MRI procedures.
Not a fit: Patients who were born with health conditions that make the study procedures unsafe will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into early interventions for obesity prevention in infants.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated the importance of brown adipose tissue in metabolic health.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 0 weeks to less than 3 weeks at visit 1 * be willing to complete MRI procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to complete two clinic visits within 14 days * Born with health conditions that would render the procedures unsafe * Born earlier than 36 and 0 days gestation * Taken a steroid drug since birth * Implanted metal or electronic objects that render MRI unsafe
Where this trial is running
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center — Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Emily W Flanagan, PhD — Pennington Biomedical Research Center
- Study coordinator: Emily W Flanagan, PhD
- Email: emily.flanagan@pbrc.edu
- Phone: 225-763-2828
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Cold Induced Thermogenesis, Infant, Energy Expenditure, Indirect Calorimetry, Brown Fat, Neonatal, Magnetic Resonance Imaging