SalSA vs LISA: Surfactant Delivery in Preterm Infants
Official title: A Clinical Trial Comparing Surfactant Administration Through Supraglottic Airway or Thin Catheter for Preterm Infants
Run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT07030270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether giving surfactant through SALSA (a supraglottic airway) is safer and more effective than the LISA thin-catheter method in babies born at 29-36 weeks who need help breathing.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 0 Hours to 72 Hours |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 5, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2030 |
| Registry record updated | November 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07030270 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Preterm infants born at 29-36 weeks gestation, weighing at least 750 g, on CPAP requiring at least 25% FiO2 and eligible for surfactant per unit protocol.
✕Probably not a fit
Infants who require intubation before surfactant administration, have certain congenital anomalies, birth weight under 750 g, or airway anatomy unsuitable for the supraglottic device may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares two minimally invasive surfactant administration methods in preterm infants (29-36 weeks gestation) who require respiratory support. Participants are assigned to receive surfactant either via the SALSA supraglottic airway or through a thin catheter (LISA) technique. The trial focuses on safety during the procedure and respiratory stability outcomes, such as heart rate and oxygenation. Primary aims include whether SALSA reduces procedure-related bradycardia and desaturation compared with LISA. Eligible infants are admitted to NICU with CPAP support and meet unit criteria for surfactant therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, SALSA could offer a safer, similarly effective alternative to LISA for surfactant delivery in preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous minimally invasive surfactant approaches have shown safety and efficacy, but direct comparison with SALSA is being explored here.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All preterm infants born between 29-36 weeks' gestation. * Infants with birthweight greater than or equal to 750 grams and admitted to the NICU on CPAP for respiratory support requiring at least FiO2 25% and qualify for surfactant administration based on unit protocol and/or clinical assessment. Exclusion Criteria: * Infants who require intubation prior to surfactant therapy * Infants with known severe congenital anomalies (complex congenital heart disease, airway and central nervous system anomalies) * Infants whose birth weight is less than 750 grams or oropharynx unable to accommodate laryngeal mask airways
Where it's running
-
Parkland Health and Hospital Systems
Dallas, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melody Chiu, M.D. — University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Melody Chiu, M.D.
- Email: melody.chiu@utsouthwestern.edu
- Phone: 214-648-3903
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Comparing video laryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy for surfactant administration in newborns
This study is testing whether using video laryngoscopy makes it easier to insert a breathing tube for surfactant treatment in newborns with breathing problems compared to the standard method.
-
How Different Levels of CPAP Deliver Oxygen to Preterm Babies
This study tests how much oxygen actually reaches preterm infants when they receive nasal CPAP at different air pressures.
-
Surfactant delivery methods in preterm infants with RDS in Sweden
This study tests different ways of giving surfactant to preterm babies with respiratory distress to see which method works best when care is routine.
-
Video-guided vs direct laryngoscopy for less invasive surfactant delivery in extremely preterm infants
This trial tests whether using video laryngoscopy helps give surfactant on the first try more often than direct laryngoscopy in extremely preterm babies needing surfactant.
-
Comparing calfactant and poractant alfa delivered by a less invasive catheter to treat respiratory distress in very preterm infants
This will see if poractant alfa or calfactant given through a thin catheter (LISA) helps preterm infants under 30 weeks with respiratory distress who are breathing on noninvasive support.
-
Amnioinfusion to Protect Newborns After Meconium in Amniotic Fluid
This trial tests whether a structured lactated Ringer's amnioinfusion during labor can reduce breathing problems and related complications in babies whose amniotic fluid contains meconium.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.