Noninvasive blood pressure monitoring in newborns using a new device

Noninvasive Continuous BP Monitoring in Newborns Based on Pulsatile Signal Morphological Features Using NIRS

Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT06994494

This study is testing a new device that uses light to measure blood pressure in newborns to see if it works better than traditional methods.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages24 Weeks to 44 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital (other)
Locations2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06994494 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the accuracy of a novel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device in estimating blood pressure in newborns at risk for unstable blood pressure. Researchers will compare the NIRS-based estimates to traditional arterial line blood pressure readings and manual cuff measurements. The goal is to optimize and validate the FlexNIRS device for continuous and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring in neonates, which is crucial for preventing brain injury and managing various neonatal conditions. Participants will wear a small, noninvasive NIRS sensor on their forehead during the monitoring process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include neonates aged 24 to 44 weeks postmenstrual age who are hospitalized and at risk for unstable blood pressure.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to the FlexNIRS device placement or those with underlying congenital or genetic anomalies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this device could provide a safer, noninvasive method for continuous blood pressure monitoring in critically ill newborns.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using NIRS for blood pressure monitoring is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in noninvasive monitoring techniques, but this specific application is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Neonates ≥24 \& \<44 weeks postmenstrual age
* Hospitalization in MGH or BWH newborn service units
* For A-line BP monitoring: Neonates expected to maintain A-line monitoring for at least the next 12 hours
* For non-A-line monitoring: Neonates at risk for unstable blood pressure (e.g. clinical instability or need for inotropes) and no contraindications to manual cuff BP measurements every 1 to 4 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to FlexNIRS device placement on the scalp/head
* Underlying congenital/genetic anomalies

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Unstable Blood Pressure, Hypotension, Non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, Arterial Line, NIRS, wearable device, Cerebral oximetry

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.