NCT07490912 Neonatal Data and Biobank to Study Factors Influencing Development in Preterm Infants Born at <32 Weeks' Gestation and/or <1500 g Birth Weight
| NCT ID | NCT07490912 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University Hospital of Cologne |
| Condition | Preterm Infant Development |
| Study Type | OBSERVATIONAL |
| Enrollment | 1,300 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-03-13 |
| Primary Completion | 2036-03-13 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.
What to Expect as a Participant
This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.
This trial targets 1,300 participants in total. It began in 2026-03-13 with a primary completion date of 2036-03-13.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The Neo-Life project aims to establish a prospective neonatal data and biobank to investigate factors influencing the short- and long-term development of very preterm infants. Advances in neonatal care have significantly improved survival rates of infants born with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks and/or a birth weight below 1500 g. However, these infants remain at high risk for multiple complications affecting neurological, pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, and other organ systems, which may lead to long-term morbidity and reduced quality of life. Identifying early risk and protective factors is therefore essential to improve outcomes and develop targeted interventions. The primary objective of the project is the prospective and structured collection of clinical data as well as biological samples within a standardized interdisciplinary follow-up program for preterm infants. The study aims to identify biological, clinical, and environmental factors associated with the development and long-term outcomes of different organ systems. The study population includes infants born with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks and/or a birth weight below 1500 g who receive care at the perinatal center of the University Hospital Cologne. Participation requires informed consent from the parents or legal guardians. There are no specific exclusion criteria. Participants will be followed within the established preterm follow-up program over several years, allowing longitudinal assessment of clinical outcomes and developmental trajectories. Primary outcome is survival without impairment (e.g. neurocognitive, pulmonal, cardiovascular, renal) at the age of 5 years. Secondary outcomes include duration of breastfeeding, nutritional status, body mass index, and parental stress and bonding. In addition, biological samples will be collected to enable the creation of epigenetic, gene expression, and cytokine profiles. These data will contribute to the identification of predictive biomarkers that may help stratify risk and guide individualized preventive or therapeutic strategies in preterm infants. By combining comprehensive clinical data with biological samples in a dedicated data and biobank, the Neo-Life project aims to generate a valuable resource for translational research. The findings are expected to improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying organ development and long-term health in preterm infants and to support the development of early interventions that may prevent or mitigate adverse outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Preterm infants born \<32 weeks' gestational age and/or with a birth weight \< 1500 g * Informed consent of parents/ legal guardians Exclusion Criteria: * none
Contact & Investigator
Angela Kribs, Apl. Prof. Dr.
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
University Hospital Cologne
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07490912 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, up to 18 Years, studying Preterm Infant Development. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07490912 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07490912 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at charlotte.schoemig@uk-koeln.de for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07490912 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Cologne, Germany.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07490912 clinical trial?
NCT07490912 is sponsored by University Hospital of Cologne. The principal investigator is Angela Kribs, Apl. Prof. Dr. at University Hospital Cologne. The trial plans to enroll 1,300 participants.