Can early feeding shape a premature Baby's brain and body?
NCT ID NCT06226051
First seen Aug 19, 2026 · Last updated Aug 20, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how the nutrition premature babies receive in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) affects their body composition and future development. Researchers will measure body fat and muscle using a special device called PEAPOD and track growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes over 36 months. The goal is to understand if early nutrition influences healthy weight gain and brain development in this vulnerable population.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- PEAPOD Infant Body Composition measuring device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help tailor nutrition for premature infants to improve their growth and brain development.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, so it cannot prove cause and effect. Results may not apply to all premature infants, and the follow-up period is limited.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2024
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
120 neonates born inpatient at Meriter Hospital, Inc. ≤ 32 weeks 6 days (32w6d) GA (possible gestational age range from 22w0d-32w6d)
- Ages
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22 to 32 weeks
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Neonate Inclusion Criteria: * Born inpatient at Meriter Hospital, Inc. at or above 22 gestational weeks. Upper limit is 32 weeks 6 days GA (possible gestational age range from 22w0d-32w6d) Neonate Exclusion Criteria: * Known genetic condition that impacts neurodevelopmental outcomes or brain structure development * Multiple major congenital anomalies * Per the investigator's opinion, the subject will likely require transfer to American Family Children's Hospital (AFCH) before 36 weeks PMA * Any neonate who enrolls in the study and then unexpectedly requires transfer to AFCH before 36 weeks PMA will be excluded from the study if they are unable to obtain at least one body composition measurement before transfer. Body composition data points can only be collected at Meriter Hospital due to the location of PEAPOD Birthing Parent Inclusion Criteria: * Birthing parent must speak English or Spanish due to consent documents * Able to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document * Primary caregiver of a neonate who is eligible to participate in the study * Agrees to enroll neonate into the study * Willing to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study * Age 15 or older Birthing Parent Exclusion Criteria: * Subject is unable to provide informed consent, including subjects in foster care and subjects within state custody * Does not plan to maintain custody of the child after birth, such as in instances of adoption or surrogacy
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Meriter Hospital, Inc.
RECRUITINGMadison, Wisconsin, 53715, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- A Mother's words on a milk bag: a simple act that may deepen the bond with a premature baby
- Can group prenatal care with social support reduce preterm births?
- Could a higher steroid dose help preterm babies breathe easier?
- Blood test may pinpoint cause of stunted fetal growth