MRI and Lung Imaging to Predict Long-Term Lung Health in Babies Born Extremely Preterm

What this Trial Is About

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia BPD is a common and serious complication affecting babies born very prematurely, with effects that can continue into adulthood. This research aims to improve early identification of infants at risk for long-term lung problems by using advanced MRI techniques that provide detailed images of lung tissue and blood vessels. These new imaging methods may help predict which infants will develop chronic lung disease and guide future treatments like stem cell therapy. The study involves recruiting 319 infants born before 29 weeks of gestation from four centers. At 36 weeks post-menstrual age, participants will undergo lung MRI, lung function testing with oscillometry, heart ultrasound echocardiogram, and lung ultrasound. Follow-up assessments of lung health will be conducted every three months via phone questionnaires and medical record reviews. At 18 to 21 months corrected age, infants will receive neurodevelopmental evaluations and lung function tests to assess their progress. Participants will be monitored regularly from 36 weeks post-menstrual age until 18 months corrected age. The research team will evaluate how well early MRI markers predict later lung health and developmental outcomes, alongside other tests and traditional BPD markers. This long-term observation will help identify infants at highest risk for severe lung disease and support the development of targeted therapies. The total involvement lasts approximately up to 21 months of corrected age.

Early-life MRI Biomarkers of Longer-term Respiratory Morbidity in Infants Born Extremely Preterm (EMBLEM)