Clinical Research Directory

Comparison of Two Early Treatments for Premature Babies and Their Effects Over Time

According to the latest World Health Organization report, prematurity is a major health issue, recognized as a significant vulnerability factor contributing to the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Of the various approaches adopted to limit its consequences, the control of the sensory environment and sensory-focused care are relatively recent. Although a number of sensory care approaches exist, few of them address the different sensory modalities jointly and have been scientifically validated. This research project aims to conduct a study in France on the effectiveness of multisensory ATVV (Auditory, Tactile, Visual, and Vestibular stimulation) treatment using a combination of short- and long-term clinical assessments. The research hypothesis is that ATVV care provided before term age will have a greater impact than "Parental Singing" care on the motor parameters and alertness level of premature infants. Given the importance of motor activity on child development, it is hypothesized here that from term age onwards, the development of children in the ATVV group will be less atypical, or even equivalent to that of the group of full-term infants for most of the parameters evaluated. Furthermore, this normalization of the developmental trajectory will be less pronounced for the "Parental Singing" group. However, the sessions for both treatments (Parental Singing and ATVV) should improve early interactions, sucking, and physiological parameters.

Evaluation of the Health Effects of the Air Purifier in Preterm Infants After Discharge

Participant's baby was born prematurely and had underdeveloped lungs at birth. Most premature infants require mechanical ventilation after birth, which increases the risk of lung injury and may lead to varying degrees of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Investigators believe that introducing an air purifier into your home environment after Participant's baby is discharged could help improve their lung development. This study aims to non-invasively measure baby's transcutaneous carbon dioxide (PtcCO₂) levels and blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) at home, both with and without the use of an air purifier. In addition, investigators will collect data from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital medical records regarding the number of visits, respiratory status, height, weight, head circumference, and developmental progress. Health questionnaires will also be administered to assess changes in health outcomes and provide recommendations on improving indoor air quality in Participant's home.

Lactase-Assisted Control Trial On Weight GAin in INfants.

Lactose, a disaccharide that includes the monosaccharides glucose and galactose, is the main carbohydrate found exclusively in mammalian milk. Lactase is found in the intestinal mucosa and is located at the ends of the villi, while it is a factor of maximum clinical importance in milk tolerance and in the occurrence of diarrheal disease. Developmental lactase deficiency is defined as the relative lactase deficiency observed in premature newborns less than 34 weeks of gestation. In the immature gastrointestinal tract, lactase and other disaccharidas are deficient until at least 34 weeks of gestation. One study in premature babies reported a benefit from the use of lactase-supplemented or lactose-reduced formulas, while the use of lactose-containing formulas and human milk did not appear to have short- or long-term harmful effects on infants and infants. Up to 20% of dietary lactose can reach the colon in newborns and young infants. Due to the inadequate functional development of lactase, premature infants may not digest and absorb the main source of carbohydrate energy, lactose. The high osmotic load associated with indigestible lactose is one of the many possible causes of diarrhea and food intolerance in premature babies. As a result of diarrhea stools and small bowel damage, the already low functional activity of lactase will be further reduced affecting weight gain, while it takes up to 2 weeks for lactase activity to be restored. Carlson et al showed that the addition of lactase to premature formula reduces the amount of lactose by 70%, with a negligible effect on osmolarity. Previous studies have found that premature infants fed a reduced lactose formula had a better weight gain rate than those who took 100% lactose formula. In two of these studies, weight gain improved despite eating fewer calories. In the present study we intend to test whether the use of lactase to hydrolysis lactose in premature milk would result in better weight gain and improved dietary tolerance by taking the same calorie intake. This is a prospective, double-blind, randomized study to evaluate tolerance and weight gain in premature infants who received either (1) human milk or premature formula enriched with Delictase ® drops (lactase group) or (2) unfortified human milk or premature formula (control group). The study will be carried out at the Second Neonatal Clinic and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in premature newborns (gestational age \[GA\] 28-34 weeks) who will be hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The study will enroll newborns (1) with a gestational duration of 28 to 34 weeks, (2) who receive ≥75% of their energy needs intestinally, (3) with the absence of severe congenital malformations or gastrointestinal diseases, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (4) without taking postnatal steroids or diuretics. Small, suitable and large for newborns of gestational age will be eligible for the study. Exclusion criteria will be neonates whose guardians refuse to participate in the study, neonates with congenital malformations or gastrointestinal diseases, and neonates receiving postnatal steroids or diuretics. The participation of newborns in the study will take place after written consent of the parents after information.