Using medication to improve surfactant administration in preterm infants

Use of Premedication for Less Invasive Surfactant Administration: A Randomized Control Trial

Phase 4 Interventional University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT05065424

This study is testing if giving certain medications before a surfactant treatment can help preterm infants breathe better and reduce heart and oxygen problems during the procedure.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment58 (estimated)
Ages0 Hours to 72 Hours
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05065424 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of administering IV fentanyl and atropine as premedication before the Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA) procedure in preterm infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome. It is a double-blinded randomized control trial comparing the effects of this premedication against a placebo. The primary focus is to reduce the incidence of bradycardia and hypoxemia events during the LISA procedure in infants who are at least 29 weeks gestational age. The study aims to provide insights into improving procedural outcomes for vulnerable newborns.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are preterm infants aged 0-72 hours, born at or after 29 weeks gestational age, who require the LISA procedure.

Not a fit: Patients who require intubation prior to surfactant therapy or have severe congenital anomalies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer and more effective surfactant administration in preterm infants, reducing complications during the procedure.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar premedication approaches, but this specific combination in the context of LISA is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Infants ≥29 weeks gestational age between 0-72 hours of life on CPAP for respiratory support who qualify for the LISA procedure as determined by the primary team using Parkland OPTISURF guidelines

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infants requiring intubation prior to surfactant therapy
* Infants with known severe congenital anomalies (including complex congenital heart disease, airway, and central nervous system anomalies)
* Infants born to mothers with known opioid addiction or in a methadone treatment program

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

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 Respiratory Distress Syndrome, NewbornPremedication for Less Invasive Surfactant AdministrationFentanyl and Atropine for Less Invasive Surfactant AdministrationCerebral Near Infrared Spectroscopy monitoring in neonatesPremedication for LISAFentanyl and Atropine for LISACerebral NIRS monitoring in neonates
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.