Using MRI to study lung development in infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Official title: MRI for Quantitative Measurement of Pulmonary Growth and Development in Term and Extremely Pre-Term Babies in the BPD Center of Excellence
Run by Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati · NCT03657693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how MRI scans can help us understand lung development in premature infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia by comparing them to infants without the condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | Any age to 4 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 4, 2018 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | January 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03657693 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include any term age NICU patients without significant congenital or respiratory conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions such as ECMO, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or significant respiratory infections at the time of imaging may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the early development of lungs in infants, particularly focusing on those diagnosed with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD). Participants will undergo up to three MRI scans at different stages of their care in the NICU, alongside the collection of urine, blood, and respiratory samples. The study will correlate MRI findings with clinical outcomes and laboratory results to enhance understanding of lung development in premature infants. Additionally, a comparison group of non-BPD NICU patients will be included to gather data on normal lung development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of lung development issues in premature infants, potentially reducing the incidence or severity of BPD.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is observational and builds on existing knowledge, similar studies have shown promise in understanding lung development in premature infants.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * any term age NICU patient Exclusion Criteria: * \- ECMO, * Evidence of congenital diseases that may affect lung development, such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia, * Suspected muscular dystrophy or neurologic disorder that may affect lung development. * Significant genetic or chromosomal abnormalities that may affect lung development * Evidence of any respiratory infection at the time of imaging (imaging may be rescheduled for a common viral infection such as a cold). * Standard MRI exclusion criteria as set forth by the CCHMC Department of Radiology. This includes any contraindications from tracheostomy tubes that are not MR compatible.
Where it's running
-
Megan Schmitt
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jason Woods, PhD — Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Megan Schmitt
- Email: Megan.Schmitt@cchmc.org
- Phone: (513) 636-9348
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Lung Ultrasound Score to predict BPD in very preterm babies
This study tests whether lung ultrasound scores in the first two weeks of life can predict which extremely preterm babies will develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
-
Caffeine in pregnancy: how the mother and baby handle it during delivery
This study tests how caffeine is processed in pregnant people and how much reaches the baby when given shortly before delivery.
-
IVIG for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in infants born at 28 weeks or earlier
This trial will try intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) given over five days to see if it helps very preterm infants (≤28 weeks) who show early signs of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
-
High-energy DHA/ARA-enriched human milk in the first 2 weeks to lower lung problems in extremely preterm babies
This trial tests whether giving DHA/ARA-enriched, fortified human milk in the first 14 days after birth helps extremely preterm infants breathe easier and have better lung function.
-
Reduced versus higher daily fluids to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm babies
This tests whether giving smaller daily fluid volumes from day 8 of life (about 135 mL/kg/day) instead of larger volumes (about 165 mL/kg/day) lowers the chance of developing BPD or dying before 36 weeks in babies born before 30 weeks.
-
Using IVIG to treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants
This study is testing if a special immune treatment called IVIG can help premature babies with breathing problems caused by bronchopulmonary dysplasia feel better.
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.