Improving early detection of cerebral palsy in infants in Ireland
Early Detection & Intervention of Cerebral Palsy in Ireland
This study is trying to find out if a new way of checking for cerebral palsy can help doctors spot it earlier in high-risk infants in Ireland.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 40 Weeks |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University College Cork Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Cork and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05907837 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project focuses on enhancing the early detection of cerebral palsy (CP) in high-risk infants in Ireland. By implementing an evidence-based follow-up approach, the study aims to identify CP and related neurodevelopmental impairments earlier than the typical diagnosis age of 24 to 29 months. The initiative targets preterm infants and those with neurological risk factors, leveraging the critical window of brain plasticity in early childhood for effective intervention. The study will involve collaboration among several maternity hospitals to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are high-risk infants, including those born preterm or with neurological risk factors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the high-risk criteria or those who pass away before discharge from the neonatal unit may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could lead to earlier interventions for infants at risk of cerebral palsy, improving their long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in early detection and intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Legal guardians must be able and willing to give written informed consent and to comply with the requirements of this study protocol. * All infants considered high risk for cerebral palsy and neuro-developmental impairment will be eligible, specifically including: * All preterm infants born ≤32 weeks Post Menstrual Age or ≤1500 gm birth weight * All encephalopathic infants * Neurological risk factors (e.g., injury/malformation on neuroimaging, persistently abnormal neurological exam) Exclusion Criteria: * Death prior to discharge from the neonatal unit.
Where this trial is running
Cork and 4 other locations
- Cork University Maternity Hospital — Cork, Ireland (Recruiting)
- Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital — Dublin, Ireland (Recruiting)
- National Maternity Hospital — Dublin, Ireland (Recruiting)
- The Rotunda Hospital — Dublin, Ireland (Recruiting)
- University Maternity Hospital Limerick — Limerick, Ireland (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brian H Walsh — University College Cork
- Study coordinator: Brian H Walsh
- Email: brianhenry.walsh@ucc.ie
- Phone: 021 42020529
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.