Caffeine Optimization for Oxygen Saturation Index in ELBW Infants

Recruiting now · Phase 2

Conditions studied: Neonatal Apnea, Infants

In brief

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether a higher dose of caffeine citrate can improve breathing and reduce health complications in extremely premature infants, specifically those born before 28 weeks of pregnancy, known as ELGAN infants. These babies often struggle with breathing due to underdeveloped lungs, and caffeine is commonly used to help support their respiratory function. However, the most effective and safest dose has not yet been clearly established. The study aims to answer two main questions: Does a higher maintenance dose of caffeine (10 mg/kg) lead to better oxygenation, as measured by the Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI), compared to the standard dose (5 mg/kg)? And does the higher dose reduce the risk of serious complications such as lung disease, brain injury, or death-without causing more side effects like fast heart rate, high blood pressure, or poor growth? To answer these questions, researchers will compare two groups of infants: one receiving the high-dose caffeine treatment and the other receiving the standard dose. This comparison will help determine if the higher dose leads to better outcomes without increased risk. Participants will begin caffeine treatment once they have regained their birth weight and are at least seven days old. They will be randomly assigned to receive either the high or standard caffeine dose and will be followed until caffeine is stopped or they are discharged from the hospital. During this time, researchers will monitor each infant's oxygenation levels, need for breathing support, signs of common complications, growth and feeding progress, and any side effects. Before discharge, each infant's motor development will also be assessed using a tool called the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP). This study could help define the most effective caffeine dosing strategy for supporting extremely premature infants and improving their short-term health outcomes.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07216365

Run by

University of Rochester

People needed

40

Starts

2026-07-15

Expected to finish

2029-09-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-07-29

Who can join

Age: any, up to 1. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• URMC Inborn Newborn infants born with gestational age of 22 weeks 0 days - 27 weeks 6 days or infants OR ≥ 28 weeks with a birthweight < 1000 grams

You may not qualify if…

• Hepatic failure, spontaneous intestinal perforation, necrotizing enterocolitis, Anticipated major congenital or genetic anomalies, infants not anticipated to survive beyond 72 hours, infants with mothers that are non-English speaking or <18 years old at time of enrollment.

Where it is running

• University of Rochester Medical Center — Rochester, New York, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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