Could a new sedative protect newborn brains during cooling?

NCT ID NCT04772222

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Utah Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a drug called dexmedetomidine in 50 newborns with brain injury who were undergoing cooling therapy. The goal was to see if it could provide sedation and pain relief as well as morphine, but with fewer risks. Researchers measured safety and drug levels in the blood to prepare for a larger future trial.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Dexmedetomidine (a sedative and pain reliever that does not slow breathing)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a safer way to sedate newborns with brain injury during cooling therapy, reducing reliance on opioids.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 50 infants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug's safety and effectiveness in this specific group are still unproven.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain hypoxia - ischemia Pain perinatal asphyxia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY PAIN

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

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