Testing two imaging tools to predict lung damage in premature babies

Plain-English translation of NCT07265583 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2025 · Translation generated October 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This research is studying two imaging methods—lung ultrasound and electrical impedance tomography—to help doctors identify premature babies who are at risk for developing a chronic lung condition called bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a serious complication that can occur when very premature babies need prolonged breathing support. The study aims to catch signs of this condition early so doctors can intervene sooner.

Currently, doctors don't have a reliable way to predict which premature babies will develop chronic lung damage during their first few days of life. Early detection could help guide treatment decisions and improve long-term outcomes for these vulnerable infants.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

your baby was born prematurely between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy
your baby weighed less than 1,500 grams (about 3.3 pounds) at birth
your baby has been diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (difficulty breathing)
your baby is receiving non-invasive breathing support (CPAP or high-flow nasal oxygen) at 72 hours of life

You likely don't qualify if…

your baby was born at a hospital outside of the study center and transferred in after birth
your baby has serious birth defects or genetic abnormalities
your baby has known lung abnormalities or surfactant protein disorders
your baby has skin abnormalities that would prevent imaging
your baby needed mechanical ventilation (a breathing tube) for more than 72 hours after birth

What participation looks like

If your baby qualifies, doctors will perform two non-invasive imaging scans—a lung ultrasound and an electrical impedance tomography scan—as part of routine care at 72 hours of life. These scans are painless and take only a few minutes each. Your baby will continue receiving standard medical treatment, and these scans will not change any decisions about your baby's care. The imaging data will simply be recorded to help researchers understand which babies are at highest risk for lung complications.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Oct 7, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Italy

Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia