We undertake clinical research studies in newborn babies. Many of these babies are born very prematurely. Very premature babies are quite vulnerable, often have breathing difficulty and need careful attention right from birth. We do observational studies to try to learn the best ways of monitoring the babies immediately after birth, so that we can know whether they need help while not interfering unduly with them. We are performing interventional studies to refine the ways in which we support their breathing after birth. Central to this is a study that we are performing with help from colleagues across Europe with financial support from the EU – the POPART (Prophylactic Oropharyngeal Surfactant for Preterm infant: A Randomised Trial) trial. We are studying surfactant, a drug that is commonly given directly into the trachea (windpipe) of premature babies who have immature lungs to help expand their lungs through a tube. Our study will show whether or not giving surfactant into the mouth of premature babies immediately after birth, so they can inhale it will prevent them from being ventilated for inadequate breathing.
| Study Name | Study Title | Study Type | Sponsor | Sponsor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POPART | Prophylactic Oropharyngeal Surfactant for Preterm Infants: A Randomised Trial (The POPART Trial) | Clinical Trial | University College Dublin, Funding from NCRC | Academic – Investigator Led |
| NEDI3 | Estimating neonatal oral endotracheal tube depth of insertion using weight or suprasternal palpation of the tip. | Non-Interventional Clinical Trial | National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Funding from NCRC | Academic – Investigator Led |
| SHEEP2 | Study of Heart Rate Evaluation using ECG in newly-born Preterm infants: the SHEEP2 study. | Non-Interventional Clinical Trial | National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Funding from NCRC | Academic – Investigator Led |
| Study Name | Study Title | Study Type | Sponsor | Sponsor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The SKA Trial | Chlorhexidine versus Povidone-Iodine for Skin Antisepsis prior to Central Venous Catheter Insertion in Pre-term infants: Protocol for a Randomised Trial | Clinical Trial | University College Dublin, NCRC | Academic – Investigator Led |
| DROPOM | Randomised controlled trial comparing prongs and masks for nasal continuous positive airways pressure (NCPAP) in premature babies with respiratory distress (POM). | Non- Interventional Clinical Trial | University College Dublin, NCRC | Academic – Investigator Led |
| BORU | RCT of positioning newborn infants on the back or right side for umbilical venous catheter insertion. | Non-Interventional Clinical Trial | University College Dublin, NCRC | Academic – Investigator Led |
| BAMBINO | Randomised controlled trial of exothermic mattresses for premature babies in polyethylene bags. | Non-Interventional Clinical Trial | University College Dublin, NCRC | Academic – Investigator Led |
