RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Mechanisms Affecting the Gut of Preterm Infants Receiving Blood Transfusion With Different Enteral Feed Interventions

This study, called MAGPIE-2, investigates how blood transfusions and different feeding methods affect the gut health of very premature babies. It aims to understand why a serious gut condition called Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) can develop. NEC is a major concern for premature infants, and this research hopes to uncover the underlying reasons for its occurrence. Researchers will use special non-invasive sensors to check oxygen levels and blood flow in the babies' brains and guts. By comparing babies who continue feeding during transfusions versus those who pause, the study hopes to find the safest feeding practices. The ultimate goal is to reduce the risk of NEC and improve the health of these tiny patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

Enrolment target

270

Start

03 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2027

NEC - Necrotizing Enterocolitis NEC Preterm Babies Preterm Infant Health

What is this study about?

This study, called MAGPIE-2, is looking into how certain treatments affect very premature babies. Specifically, it's exploring the link between blood transfusions, how babies are fed, and a serious gut problem called Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a condition where parts of the baby's bowel can get damaged, and it's a major concern for tiny babies born very early.

Researchers already know that there might be a connection between having a blood transfusion and developing NEC, especially if babies continue to be fed during the transfusion. However, they don't fully understand why this happens. This study aims to fill that gap by looking closely at what happens inside the baby's body. They will use gentle, non-invasive methods, like special sensors placed on the skin and ultrasound, to measure oxygen levels and blood flow in the baby's brain and gut. This will help them see if there are changes in how well the gut is getting blood and oxygen, which could contribute to NEC.

The findings from MAGPIE-2 will help doctors understand the causes of NEC better. This information could lead to new, safer guidelines for caring for premature babies when they need blood transfusions, potentially reducing the number of babies who develop this challenging condition. This is important work because it aims to improve the health and future of our most vulnerable newborns.

Key takeaways

Study focused on understanding gut health in very premature babies.
Investigating the link between blood transfusions, feeding, and a gut condition called NEC.
Uses gentle, non-invasive sensors and ultrasound to measure oxygen and blood flow.
Aims to find safer ways to care for vulnerable premature infants.
Information gathered will help future babies, not necessarily your own directly.
Participation is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is specifically looking for very premature babies who are already taking part in another study called WHEAT International. These are babies born between 23 and less than 30 weeks of pregnancy.

Before a baby can join, a parent or guardian must provide their written permission. This ensures you understand what the study involves and agree to your baby's participation.

Babies unfortunately cannot join if they are too unwell for the monitoring equipment, or if they have already developed a severe form of the gut condition (NEC), have had bowel surgery, or have certain other tummy problems they were born with.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your baby already part of the WHEAT International trial?
Was your baby born between 23 and less than 30 weeks of pregnancy?
Is your baby generally stable and not too unwell for gentle monitoring?
Has your baby NOT had severe NEC, bowel surgery, or certain other tummy problems from birth?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your baby takes part in this study, they will already be part of the WHEAT International trial. The MAGPIE-2 study adds some extra, gentle monitoring. This will involve using special sensors (like sticky patches) that shine a light on the skin to measure oxygen levels in the brain and gut. They will also have an ultrasound scan, similar to the scans done during pregnancy, to look at blood flow in a major artery near the gut.

These measurements will typically be taken once a week until your baby is 34 weeks of corrected age (which means their age since conception) or when they go home, whichever comes first. If your baby receives a blood transfusion, they will have more detailed monitoring. This includes continuous oxygen measurements for 8 hours around the transfusion (4 hours before and 4 hours after) and then for another 2 hours at around 24 and 48 hours after the transfusion. All these tests are non-invasive and should not cause your baby any discomfort.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit your baby, but the information gathered could help improve care for other premature babies in the future by finding safer ways to manage transfusions and feeding. The monitoring techniques used are non-invasive and generally considered safe, causing no pain. However, there's always a slight risk of skin irritation from the sticky sensors, which is carefully monitored. You are absolutely free to withdraw your baby from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting their medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital, Neontal Unit
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is NEC?

NEC stands for Necrotising Enterocolitis. It's a serious gut condition that affects some premature babies, where part of their bowel can become damaged.

What does 'very preterm' mean?

Very preterm means babies born much earlier than expected, specifically between 23 and less than 30 weeks of pregnancy.

Are the tests painful?

No, the tests are non-invasive. The sensors are sticky patches placed on the skin, and the ultrasound is like the scans done in pregnancy – neither should cause your baby any pain.

Why is blood transfusion linked to NEC?

That's what this study is trying to find out! Researchers have noticed a connection but don't fully understand the reasons, especially concerning feeding during transfusions.

Will my baby get extra care if they join?

Your baby will receive the same high standard of medical care regardless of joining. This study adds extra monitoring to gather information, not to change their treatment.

How to find out more

Jayanta Banerjee, MD (RES), FRCPCH, MBBS

jayanta.banerjee@nhs.net 07771826045 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.