Examining heart and lung health in extremely premature infants

Pulmonary Vascular Disease and Cardiac Performance in Extreme Preterm Infants: A Prospective Cross-sectional Study

Observational McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT04114435

This study looks at the heart and lung health of extremely premature babies to see if they have problems that could affect their future health and development.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages7 Days to 5 Years
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT04114435 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the cardiac performance and pulmonary vascular disease in infants born at less than 29 weeks of gestation. The researchers hypothesize that these premature infants experience compromised heart function and elevated pulmonary pressures, which may lead to increased morbidity and poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study employs novel echocardiography techniques to detect cardiac anomalies that traditional imaging may miss, with the goal of identifying infants at risk for later pulmonary hypertension. The findings could provide insights into the long-term health of these vulnerable infants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants born at less than 29 weeks' gestational age who are admitted to the NICU.

Not a fit: Patients with congenital heart disease (other than minor defects), severe lung or airway malformations, or genetic disorders like Trisomy 21 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved monitoring and management strategies for extremely premature infants, potentially enhancing their long-term health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this study employs novel echocardiography techniques, similar studies have indicated that early detection of cardiac issues in premature infants can lead to better outcomes, suggesting a promising avenue for further exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Infants born at \<29 weeks' gestational age admitted to the NICU
* All infants born at \<29 weeks' gestational age followed at MCH clinic after an admission in the NICU for prematurity \<29 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

* Congenital heart disease (except an atrial (ASD) or ventricular septal defect (VSD), or a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA))
* Congenital severe lung or airway malformation (choanal atresia, trachea-esophageal fistula or congenital pulmonary airway malformation)
* Genetic disorder (Trisomy 21).

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

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 PrematurityExtreme
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.