Improving Outcomes for Premature Infants Through Effective Maintenance of Systemic Blood Flow (2009-2012)

Survival rates for preterm babies are increasing, but the rate of disability is still high. Preterm babies may experience inadequate blood flow to the brain, leading to longterm disability. The causes of low blood flow are not known and current treatments are ineffective in nearly half of cases. This study will confirm that low blood flow is the result of immaturity of the structure and/or control of the heart, and will test new treatments targeted to these systems in the baby.