Melatonin As A Novel Neuroprotectant In Preterm Infants- Dosage Study
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2011-02-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Preterm babies are at risk of brain injury. Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, may
reduce this risk. The unborn baby receives melatonin from the mother but following premature
delivery there maybe a period of prolonged melatonin deficiency. This deficiency may be
harmful because studies suggest that melatonin is important in protecting the brain and
reducing the risk of brain injury after preterm birth. The purpose of this study is to find
the ideal dose of melatonin to give to preterm babies. We intend to study a total of 24
babies less than 31 weeks gestation and who are less than 7 days old.