NCT02601339 · Boston Children's Hospital
NIRS Monitoring in Premature Infants
What this study is about
This study uses frequency domain near-infrared spectroscopy coupled with diffuse correlation spectroscopy (FDNIRS-DCS) technology for monitoring cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral oxygen metabolism (CMRO2) at the bedside for newborns with germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) and/or post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) in comparison to newborns with hydrocephalus of a different etiology (VC) and healthy controls (HC). We hypothesize that baseline cerebral metabolic dysfunction is a better biomarker for GM-IVH and PHH severity and response to PHH treatment. This is a Boston Children's Hospital (BCH)-institutional review board(IRB) approved, multi-site study that includes collaboration with Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). Pei-Yi Lin receives funding from The National Institute of Health (NIH) to support the study and is the overall principal Investigator (PI) overseeing the study.
View original scientific description
This study uses frequency domain near-infrared spectroscopy coupled with diffuse correlation spectroscopy (FDNIRS-DCS) technology for monitoring cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral oxygen metabolism (CMRO2) at the bedside for newborns with germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) and/or post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) in comparison to newborns with hydrocephalus of a different etiology (VC) and healthy controls (HC). We hypothesize that baseline cerebral metabolic dysfunction is a better biomarker for GM-IVH and PHH severity and response to PHH treatment. This is a Boston Children's Hospital (BCH)-institutional review board(IRB) approved, multi-site study that includes collaboration with Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). Pei-Yi Lin receives funding from The National Institute of Health (NIH) to support the study and is the overall principal Investigator (PI) overseeing the study.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- for GM-IVH group: born at gestational age (GA) 24-32 weeks; \< 3 months old corrected-GA (cGA) at first measure or eligible for measurement within 12 weeks after the infant reaches 40 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA). Grade I-III IVH diagnosed by clinical cranial ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Exclusion criteria
- for GM-IVH group: chromosomal abnormalities known at the time of enrollment; known or suspected metabolic disorder or neoplasm; critical congenital heart disease; congenital hydrocephalus; brain lesions that affect cerebral brain metabolism, other than GMH-IVH; central nervous system (CNS) infection.
- PHH group: Inclusion criteria for PHH group: born at gestational age (GA) 24-37 weeks \< 3 months old cGA at first measure or eligible for measurement within 12 weeks after the infant reaches 40 weeks age (PMA). PHH diagnosed by clinical cranial ultrasound or MRI. Exclusion criteria for PHH group: chromosomal abnormalities known at the time of enrollment; known or suspected metabolic disorder or neoplasm; critical congenital heart disease; congenital hydrocephalus; brain lesions that affect cerebral brain metabolism, other than IVH-PHH; CNS infection. Implanted devices or other devices that preclude the use of MRI.
- HC group: Inclusion criteria for HC group: born at gestational age (GA) 24-32 weeks; \< 3 months old cGA at first measure or eligible for measurement within 12 weeks after the infant reaches 40 weeks age (PMA); Apgar \>7 at 5 min. Exclusion criteria for HC group: any clinical indication of brain injury or congenital brain malformation; chromosomal abnormality known at the time of enrollment; known or suspected metabolic disorder or neoplasm; critical congenital heart disease; CNS infection.
- VC group: Inclusion criteria for VC group: \< 12 months old cGA at first measure or eligible for measurement within 1 year after the infant reaches 40 weeks age (PMA). Symptomatic hydrocephalus of any etiology or at high risk of developing hydrocephalus of any etiology, except post-hemorrhagic etiology; characterized by abnormal rate of head growth and full anterior fontanelle. Ventricular enlargement diagnosed by ultrasonography or MRI; no signs of IVH. Exclusion criteria for VC group: known or suspected metabolic disorder or neoplasm; critical congenital heart disease; CNS infection. Implanted devices or other devices that preclude the use of MRI.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations