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Detection of Respiratory Events Using Acoustic Monitoring in Extremely Preterm Infants
Sponsor: McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Summary
Extremely preterm infants, born before 29 weeks of pregnancy, often face breathing difficulties, also known as respiratory events, due to their undeveloped lungs and respiratory systems. These respiratory events include pauses in breathing, shallows breaths, and irregular breathing patterns. These problems are most common right after birth but can continue for weeks, leading to extended hospital stays, higher medical costs, and potential long-term health concerns affecting the eyes, lungs, and brain. Currently, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) use methods like measuring oxygen levels. heart rat, and electrical resistance in the chest to monitor for respiratory events. However, these methods have limitations. For instance, they cannot accurately measure airflow and do not distinguish between different types of respiratory events. As a results, some breathing problems might go unnoticed or be managed improperly. To address this, we have developed a wireless acoustic sensor that uses advanced microphones and motion sensors to record airflow and chest movements. In initial tests with healthy preterm infants, this sensor proved reliable in detecting breathing patterns and airway obstruction, suggesting it could offer a more precise and non-invasive monitoring method. Our study aims to assess how well this new sensor performs compared to existing methods in detecting and distinguishing different types of respiratory events in a high-risk group of extremely preterm infants. We will track respiratory patterns in preterm infants at various stages between 32 and 44 weeks of age. By comparing the new sensor's performance with currents standards and gold-standard methods, we hope to improve the management of these respiratory events and reduce the related health risks.
Official title: Detection of Respiratory Events Using Acoustic Monitoring in Extremely Preterm Infants (DREAM 2)
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
Any - 29 Weeks
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
50
Start Date
2026-05
Completion Date
2028-09
Last Updated
2026-04-27
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Wireless acoustic sensor
Airflow and respiratory effort will be measured using a single wireless acoustic sensor placed at the infant's suprasternal notch. Measurements will be performed at four postmenstrual age (PMA) intervals: 32 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks, 34 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks, 37 + 0 to 39 + 6 weeks, and 40 + 0 to 43 + 6 weeks. At each time point, data will be collected during a continuous 3-hour recording period with the infant positioned supine.
Semi-structured interview
A 20-minute semi-structured interview will be conducted by one trained team member with healthcare professionals to explore and assess their perspectives on the current limitations and clinical acceptance of using a wireless acoustic sensor for monitoring respiratory events in the NICU.
Nox T3s portable sleep monitoring device
Breathing efforts will be measured using two RIP bands placed around the chest and abdomen of the infant, respectively. Airflow will be measured using a nasal pressure transducer via prongs placed on the infant's nostrils. Both measurements will be obtained using a Nox T3s portable sleep monitoring device (Nox Medical, Reykjavik, Iceland). Measurements will be performed at four postmenstrual age (PMA) intervals: 32 + 0 to 33 + 6 weeks, 34 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks, 37 + 0 to 39 + 6 weeks, and 40 + 0 to 43 + 6 weeks. At each time point, data will be collected during a continuous 3-hour recording period with the infant positioned supine.
Bedside monitor
Cardiorespiratory waveform data (TTI, SpO2, and HR) will be directly extracted from the infant's bedside monitor. All acquired signals will be aggregated and synchronized a posteriori onto a user-friendly interface.
Locations (1)
McGill University Health Centre
Montreal, Quebec, Canada