New technique may spare tiniest babies from breathing tubes

NCT ID NCT04715373

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

Summary

This study tested a method called LISA (Less Invasive Surfactant Administration) in extremely preterm infants (22-25 weeks). Instead of inserting a breathing tube, doctors gave lung medication through a thin catheter while the baby continued on CPAP. The goal was to see if this approach reduces the need for mechanical ventilation in the first 72 hours of life. Sixty infants were enrolled, and the study compared those who received LISA in the delivery room to those who got standard care.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Poractant alfa (a natural lung surfactant) given via a thin catheter while the baby stays on CPAP

What this could lead to

If it works, this approach could help extremely preterm babies breathe with less invasive support, potentially lowering the risk of lung damage and other complications.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early feasibility trial with only 60 babies, so results may not apply to all preterm infants. The procedure itself carries risks, such as incorrect catheter placement or breathing instability.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

adult acute respiratory distress syndrome respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Venkatakrishna Kakkilaya

    Dallas, Texas, 75093, United States