Investigating the Role of Fatty Acids in Premature Infants' Eye Development

Study of the Involvement of Fatty Acids in Retinopathy of Prematurity: Relationship Between Retinopathy of Prematurity and the Rate of Expression of Transplacental Fatty Acid Receptors.

Observational Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon · NCT04819893

This study looks at how certain fatty acids from mothers might affect the eye development of premature babies to see if they can help prevent vision problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment135 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dijon)
Trial IDNCT04819893 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study examines the relationship between retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the expression of transplacental fatty acid receptors in mothers and their premature infants. It focuses on the role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in retinal vascular development, particularly in infants born before 29 weeks of gestation. By analyzing maternal and umbilical cord blood samples, the study aims to uncover differences in fatty acid levels that may contribute to the risk of ROP. The findings could enhance understanding of how maternal nutrition impacts infant eye health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include mothers giving birth to infants less than 29 weeks of gestation or full-term mothers between 39 and 41 weeks of gestation.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include mothers giving birth to infants between 29 and 38 weeks of gestation or those with critical health conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved nutritional guidelines for pregnant women to reduce the risk of retinopathy in premature infants.

How similar studies have performed: While this study builds on previous findings regarding omega-3 PUFAs and ROP, it explores a novel aspect of maternal-infant fatty acid dynamics.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Mothers giving birth to premature babies less than 29 weeks of amenorrhea (WA), after obtaining their non-opposition.
2. Mothers giving birth at term between 39 and 41WA+6 days, after obtaining their non-opposition.
3. ≥18 years
4. Mothers not under legal protection

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Mothers giving birth between 29WA and 38WA+6 days
2. Mothers in critical condition.
3. Person not affiliated to national health insurance
4. For full-term mothers: patient presenting or having presented a health condition that affected a previous pregnancy (vascular such as pregnant hypertension, preeclampsia; gestational diabetes; intrauterine growth retardation, maternal infection during pregnancy such as toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, rubella, measles, chickenpox).

Where this trial is running

Dijon

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 PrematurityRetinopathy
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.