Could a simple saline enema save tiny preemies from deadly gut disease?
NCT ID NCT03631979
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether giving extremely preterm babies (born before 27 weeks) a gentle saline enema twice a day could help them reach full feeding sooner and prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe gut infection. The trial planned to include 200 infants but was terminated early, so the findings are limited. The approach is simple and low-cost, but its safety and effectiveness remain unproven.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- normal saline (salt water) given as an enema
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this simple, low-cost procedure could help extremely preterm babies tolerate feeding sooner and reduce the risk of a life-threatening gut infection.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated early, so results are limited. The procedure may cause discomfort or injury in such fragile infants, and benefits are not proven.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Neonatal intensiv care unit, 95F, Akademiska hospital
Uppsala, 75185, Sweden
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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