Measuring oxygen extraction in newborns with and without infections

Peripheral Fractional Tissue Oxygen Extraction and Infection in Term and Preterm Neonates - a Prospective Pilot Observational Study

Observational Medical University of Graz · NCT04818762

This study is trying to see if measuring oxygen levels in the blood can show differences between newborns with infections and those without, to help understand their breathing problems better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 6 Hours
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of Graz Academic / other
Locations1 site (Graz, Styria)
Trial IDNCT04818762 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational pilot study investigates the differences in peripheral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (pFTOE) in term and preterm neonates with respiratory distress, comparing those with early onset infections to those without. Using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), the study aims to monitor oxygenation and perfusion non-invasively within the first six hours after birth. The primary objective is to determine if pFTOE measurements differ between the two groups, while secondary objectives include assessing cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) and the relationship between cFTOE and pFTOE. The study population includes neonates at risk for infection admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are term and preterm neonates aged less than 6 hours with signs of respiratory distress and risk factors for infection.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing full life support or have severe congenital malformations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance early detection of infections in newborns, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of NIRS for monitoring oxygenation is established, this specific application in differentiating infection status in neonates is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signs of respiratory distress at time-point of inclusion (tachypnoea \>60/minutes, grunting, intercostal/subcostal/jugular retractions, nasal flaring, supplemental oxygen or respiratory upport)
* Decision to conduct full life support
* Written informed consent
* Age \< 6 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* No decision to conduct full life support
* no written informed consent
* gestational age \<30+0 weeks of gestation
* age \> 6 hours
* severe congenital malformations, severe asphyxia (umbilical cord artery pH \<7.00)

Where this trial is running

Graz, Styria

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 Neonatal InfectionPreterm Birth
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.