Could starting feeds sooner shield preterm babies from infection?

NCT ID NCT06893939

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Washington Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Summary

This trial compares two ways of feeding very preterm infants (born before 32 weeks and under 1500 grams). One group receives a short period of small 'trophic' feeds for one day before advancing to full feeds, while the other receives trophic feeds for three days. The goal is to see if the shorter period reduces the risk of late-onset sepsis, a serious infection, without increasing other complications. The study will also look at hospital stay length, growth, and developmental outcomes at age two.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Limited trophic feeding (1 day) versus extended trophic feeding (3 days) before advancing enteral feeds
What this could lead to: If limited trophic feeding works, it could reduce dangerous infections in preterm babies and shorten hospital stays.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage trial, so results may not be definitive. There is a risk that faster feeding could increase other complications like necrotizing enterocolitis.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

infectious disease with sepsis neurodevelopmental disorder Premature Birth Sepsis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LENGTH OF STAY MORTALITY NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DELAY SEPSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Baylor College of Medicine
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
St. Joseph's Medical Center
RECRUITING

Tacoma, Washington, 98405, United States
University of Alabama at Birmingham
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States
University of Oklahoma
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States
University of South Florida
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Tampa, Florida, 33606, United States
University of Washington
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States

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