Using electrical impedance tomography to find the best breathing support for newborns

Electrical Impedance Tomography for Identification of Optimal Positive End-expiratory Pressure in Newborn Infants

University Children's Hospital Basel · NCT05612256

This study is testing the best way to help newborns breathe better by using special technology to find the right level of breathing support they need.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment86 (estimated)
Ages0 Days to 28 Days
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Children's Hospital Basel (other)
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT05612256 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify the optimal level of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for newborn infants requiring respiratory support. By utilizing electrical impedance tomography (EIT), forced oscillation technique (FOT), and saturation oxygenation pressure index (SOPI), the study seeks to provide a non-invasive assessment of lung ventilation and mechanics. The goal is to minimize ventilator-induced lung injury and improve long-term respiratory outcomes for these infants. The study will be conducted at the University Children's Hospital Basel, focusing on infants with specific gestational ages and mechanical ventilation needs.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are newborn infants between 22 and 41 weeks of gestational age who require mechanical ventilation.

Not a fit: Patients with major congenital malformations or those on high-frequency oscillatory ventilation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved respiratory support strategies for newborns, reducing the risk of lung injury and enhancing recovery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of EIT and similar techniques in this context is promising, this specific approach to optimizing PEEP in newborns is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 22+0 to 41+6 weeks' gestational age
* Requiring mechanical ventilation
* Written informed parental consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Major congenital malformations including lung and cardiac malformations
* Infants on high frequency oscillatory ventilation
* Lack of written informed parental consent

Where this trial is running

Basel

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: Positive End-expiratory Pressure, respiratory support, newborn infants, ventilator induced lung injury, mechanical ventilation, electrical impedance tomography, forced oscillation technique, saturation oxygenation pressure index

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.