A Multi-center Trial to Determine if Curosurf® Reduces the Duration of Mechanical Ventilation in Very Preterm Infants
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2016-08-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The purpose of this study is to see if a medication called Curosurf can reduce the length of
time that small premature babies with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (immature lungs) or RDS,
stay on the ventilator, as compared to the standard medication called BLES. Curosurf is a
medication that is already used in other countries around the world but not yet in Canada.
Babies born under 32 weeks of gestation frequently need respiratory support after birth,
including being placed on a breathing machine or respirator. The most common reason is
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) whereby immature lungs don't produce enough surfactant, a
soapy like substance that helps the air sacs open and close. Our current standard treatment
is a surfactant called BLES. Curosurf contains more active ingredient per volume therefore
the amount is smaller. The investigators hypothesize that babies who receive Curosurf will be
able to be removed from the ventilator sooner.
Babies in this study will have a 50/50 chance of receiving either Curosurf or BLES and the
investigators will monitor their progress during their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
admission.
The study is taking place in Canada. The goal is to enroll 88 babies. There are no extra
tests (blood tests or X-Rays) or return visits to the hospital for the purposes of this
study.