National surveillance and prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in newborns
Developing a National Approach to Surveillance and Prevention for Neonatal Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
This project will test new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in very-low-birth-weight newborns cared for in Canadian NICUs.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1500 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 24 Weeks |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT07109791 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This multi-centre observational project will collect clinical and microbiological data on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) events among very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants admitted to tertiary NICUs across Canada. Researchers will apply three commonly used VAP definitions to real patient data, identify antimicrobial-resistant organisms (AROs) causing VAP, and document antibiotic prescribing patterns. Statistical analyses and a Delphi expert consensus process will be used to determine the most appropriate neonatal-specific VAP diagnostic definition. Findings will be translated into evidence-based clinical guidelines and tailored implementation strategies to improve surveillance, diagnosis, and antimicrobial stewardship.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Very-low-birth-weight infants (preterm or extremely small newborns) admitted to participating Canadian tertiary NICUs who are receiving respiratory support and are suspected or diagnosed with VAP.
Not a fit: Infants with major congenital anomalies, those who are moribund on admission, and babies cared for outside participating tertiary Canadian NICUs are not eligible and therefore unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could produce clear neonatal-specific diagnostic criteria and management guidelines that reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and improve outcomes for VLBW infants with VAP.
How similar studies have performed: While adult VAP surveillance and some neonatal surveillance efforts exist, validated neonatal-specific VAP definitions and national implementation strategies are limited, so this approach is relatively novel in neonatology.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA: * All VLBW infants admitted to participating tertiary NICUs in Canada * All neonatal VAP events diagnosed based on the physicians' discretion EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Infants with major congenital anomalies * Infants with moribund status on admission
Where this trial is running
Edmonton, Alberta
- Royal Alexandra Hospital — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dr. Joseph Ting, Staff Neonatologist and Clinical Research Professor — University of Alberta
- Study coordinator: Dr. Joseph Ting, Staff Neonatologist and Clinical Research Professor
- Email: joseph.ting@ualberta.ca
- Phone: +1(780) 248-5408
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.