Clinical Research Directory

Pragmatic Evaluation of Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treatment in Africa

The goal of this pragmatic clinical trial is to learn if the drug surfactant given by a less invasive technique works to treat respiratory distress in preterm infants in low- and middle-income African countries where invasive ventilators are unavailable. It will also learn about the safety of the less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) technique. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does surfactant given by a less invasive surfactant administration technique improve survival in preterm infants in low- and middle-income countries? What medical problems do participants have when receiving surfactant given by the less invasive surfactant administration technique? Researchers will implement the less invasive surfactant administration technique and see if it works to treat respiratory distress in preterm infants compared to preterm who did not receive surfactant. Participants with respiratory distress who are being treated with continuous positive airway pressure and caffeine citrate will: Receive surfactant replacement therapy by the less invasive surfactant administration technique. Be monitored for complications Be followed throughout their hospitalization to determine their survival rate.

Video vs. Direct Laryngoscopy for Less Invasive Surfactant Administration

Many preterm babies born between 22-28+6 weeks' estimated gestational age (EGA) need surfactant, a medicine that helps the lungs. The goal of the study is to compare the use of video-based visualization to direct visualization during a procedure called less invasive surfactant administration (LISA). The main questions the study aims to answer are: 1) does one method of visualization have a increased rate of giving the medicine successfully on the first attempt? 2) what benefits are there of each method?

Duration of Surfactant Administration and Impact on Stabilisation of Vital Parameters in Very Preterm Neonates: 1 Minutes Versus 5 Minutes

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is common in very preterm infants due to surfactant deficiency. Surfactant replacement therapy is lifesaving, and current guidelines recommend the less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) technique. However, the optimal duration of surfactant instillation during LISA has never been systematically evaluated. Rapid instillation may provoke transient hypoxia and bradycardia, while slower administration might improve physiological stability and cerebral oxygenation. This randomised controlled trial investigates whether the duration of surfactant administration (1 minute versus 5 minutes) affects cerebral and systemic oxygen stability in extremely preterm neonates (\< 28 weeks).

Surfactant Administration by Insure or Thin Catheter

This trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of surfactant administration with thin catheter technique together with analgesic premedication in comparison with the established INSURE-strategy. It will provide valuable knowledge to improve clinical methodology and enhance lung protective treatment strategies for preterm infants.

Less Invasive Surfactant Administration in Late Preterm or Early Term Born Infants

The aim of this study is to see if giving less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) during high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen treatment reduces the need for invasive ventilation in babies with breathing problems born 2-6 weeks early. Less invasive surfactant administration is where surfactant (a naturally produced substance which helps open up the tiny air sacs in the lungs making it easier for babies to breathe) is given into the lungs by putting a small tube into the windpipe through the mouth whilst the baby is awake. The surfactant is given slowly and breathed in. High flow nasal cannula is a form of non-invasive support where a machine delivers warmed, moist oxygen and air through short tubes in the nose. The investigators will be assessing whether a lower percentage of neonates need invasive ventilation within 72 hrs from birth when they have had LISA during HFNC treatment, compared to when they don't receive this treatment. The investigators will also be looking at the length of neonatal unit stay and the cost of the stay. The investigators will also be measuring the lung function of the babies before and after they receive LISA.

Premedication for Less Invasive Surfactant Administration

Early respiratory management of preterm infants immediately after birth should be as gentle as possible. With this so-called developmental approach, unnecessary invasive methods can be avoided or at least postponed. This kind of "soft landing" allows cardiorespiratory transition with fewer adverse outcomes. Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) is a technique that involves delivery of surfactant to a spontaneously breathing infant through a thin catheter. This technique minimizes the risk for neonatal lung injury caused by positive pressure ventilation. LISA is nowadays widely used in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Although less invasive, newborns exposed to this procedure need premedication prior the procedure. There is no consensus, which drug would be the optimal premedication for LISA and the research on this topic is lacking. An ideal premedication would treat the procedural pain without suppressing the infant's own breathing. The sedation and analgesia should start fast but the effect should be short-acting with as few adverse effects as possible. The aim of this randomized, controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of LISA protocol with the premedication of either ketamine or fentanyl by investigating whether one or the other is associated with lower rate of adverse events, hence would be preferred choice for premedication protocol.