Cerebral Oxygen Saturation Monitoring During Optimum Cord Management in Preterm Infants
This study is exploring how much oxygen reaches the brains of premature babies right after they are born. Doctors usually recommend waiting a little while to clamp the umbilical cord. This allows extra blood from the placenta to go to the baby, which helps their heart and brain adjust smoothly. However, it's not fully clear what the best time to clamp the cord is for premature babies, as they are more likely to have problems if it's clamped too soon. Current methods don't always show what's happening in the brain. We're using a new, gentle monitor to see if it can measure brain oxygen levels during this important time, and if waiting to clamp the cord helps make sure premature babies' brains get enough oxygen.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When a baby is born, doctors often wait a short time before clamping the umbilical cord. This allows extra blood to flow from the placenta to the baby, which helps them transition smoothly to life outside the womb. This is especially important for premature babies, as their bodies are still developing and they are more sensitive to changes right after birth.
For premature babies, doctors want to find the perfect moment to clamp the cord so that their brains get enough oxygen and blood. Current ways of checking a baby’s health, like heart rate and oxygen levels in the hand or foot, don't always show clearly what’s happening in the brain. This study is testing a special, gentle monitor called NIRS (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) that can measure oxygen levels in the brain without any pain or discomfort.
The main goal of this study is to see if this NIRS monitor can effectively measure brain oxygen levels in premature babies born before 34 weeks. We want to understand if it’s possible to get useful information from this monitor right after birth. We will also use the information gathered to observe how brain oxygen levels, heart rate, and overall oxygen levels change when the umbilical cord is managed in the recommended way, allowing for that important transfer of blood from the placenta.
Key takeaways
- The study looks at brain oxygen in premature babies right after birth.
- It tests a gentle brain oxygen monitor (NIRS).
- Aims to understand if waiting to clamp the cord helps brain oxygen.
- Participation involves placing a harmless sensor on baby's head.
- No pain or discomfort for the baby.
- Helps improve care for future premature babies.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for babies who are born prematurely, specifically before 34 weeks of pregnancy. For a baby to be included, their parents would need to give their permission for them to take part. The healthcare team will discuss this with you.
There are certain situations where a baby wouldn't be able to join the study. This includes if the mother is having twins or more, or if doctors have decided that resuscitation (life-saving treatment) wouldn't be right for the baby after birth. Also, babies with serious problems found before or just after birth, or those with complex heart conditions, wouldn't be eligible for this study.
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 expected to be born before 34 weeks of pregnancy?
- Are you able to provide consent for your baby to participate?
- Is your baby a single birth (not twins or more)?
- Does your baby have any known serious medical problems or complex heart conditions found before or just after birth?
What does participation involve?
If your baby takes part in the study, a special small sensor will be gently placed on their head, similar to a soft bandage. This sensor is connected to a monitor that uses light to measure the oxygen levels in the brain. This monitoring will happen right after delivery and during the time the umbilical cord is still attached, and then when it is clamped. The monitor is completely safe and doesn't cause any pain or discomfort to the baby. Other information that is normally collected about your baby's heart rate and general oxygen levels will also be used to understand the complete picture. There are no extra hospital visits or follow-up appointments specifically for this study; all measurements are taken immediately after birth.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'optimum cord management'?
It means waiting a short time (about one minute) before clamping the umbilical cord after birth to allow extra blood to flow from the placenta to the baby.
What is NIRS monitoring?
NIRS is a special, gentle monitor that uses light to harmlessly measure oxygen levels in the baby's brain.
Will my baby feel anything?
No, the NIRS monitor is completely pain-free and non-invasive. It's like a soft sticker on the baby's head.
How long does the monitoring last?
The monitoring takes place immediately after birth, during the first few minutes of your baby's life, as the cord is being managed.
Will this change my baby's medical care?
No, the monitoring is for research purposes to gather information and will not change the medical care your baby receives.
How to find out more
Jayanta Banerjee, MD (Res)
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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