CompletedNot Applicable

Protein Supplementation in Infants With Brain Injury

United States24 participantsStarted 2012-08

Plain-language summary

To date, few studies have been done regarding nutrition supplementation in infants with brain injury. Therefore, the investigators are proposing to study the effects of protein supplementation in this group of babies. The investigators will recruit 24 infants with brain injury (evidence of hemorrhage, white matter injury, or gray matter injury) admitted to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) into the study. Upon diagnosis, the investigators will obtain consent from the parents for participation in the study, then randomly assign the baby to one of two groups - an increased protein group and a control group. Both groups of infants will be monitored to ensure no adverse effects occur due to the supplementation. Protein supplementation will continue for the first 12 months of age. Growth parameters, such as weight, length, and head circumference, will be measured while the infant is the NICU. Head circumference will be measured in the investigators outpatient clinic at three, six, and 12 months of age. At 18-22 months, the infants will be tested for neurodevelopmental outcomes using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. The investigators hypothesize that infants who receive the additional protein will demonstrate increased head growth and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Who can participate

Age range

2 Days – 3 Weeks

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Infants admitted to the NICU at CCHMC * Known or suspected brain injury * Parental consent obtained * At least 48 hours of age at the time of randomization Exclusion Criteria: * Congenital or posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus * Major congenital brain malformations * Congenital gastrointestinal malformations or Bell Stage III NEC * Inborn errors of metabolism * Chromosomal abnormalities * Significant cardiac disease

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Head circumference

Timeframe: 12 months of age +/- 4 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01936246

SponsorChildren's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2014-03

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Perinatal Stroke trials