Could a new drug replace morphine for babies undergoing brain cooling?

NCT ID NCT04772222

First seen Mar 20, 2026 · Last updated Apr 25, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tested a drug called dexmedetomidine (DMT) as a sedative and pain reliever for newborns with brain injury who are being cooled to protect their brains. The goal was to see if DMT is safer than the standard drug, morphine, which may have long-term side effects. Fifty full-term babies were enrolled, and researchers measured safety and drug levels in the blood. Results will help design a larger trial to confirm if DMT is a better option for these fragile infants.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Intermountain Medical Center

    Murray, Utah, 84107, United States

  • McKay-Dee Hospital

    Ogden, Utah, 84403, United States

  • Primary Children's Hospital

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84113, United States

  • University of Utah Health

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States

  • Utah Valley Hospital

    Provo, Utah, 84604, United States

Conditions

Explore the condition pages connected to this study.