Towards Life-Long Healthy Lungs: A Multidisciplinary Follow-up Framework for Preterm Infants (LONG LOVE)

Towards Life-Long Healthy Lungs: A Multidisciplinary Follow-up Framework for Preterm Infants (Dutch: Naar Levenslang Gezonde LONGen: Een multidiscipLinair zOrgpad Voor te Vroeg Geboren kindEren)

Approximately 8% of all births occur between 30-36 weeks of gestation ('moderate-late' prematurity). Respiratory tract infections (RTI) and wheezing illnesses disproportionally affect preterm infants resulting in a 1.5-2 fold higher hospitalisation rate during the first years of life compared to term born children. Besides prematurity, several other postnatal modifiable influencing factors are associated with increased risk of respiratory morbidity and impaired pulmonary development. These factors include RTI, rapid weight gain, air pollution, tobacco smoke exposition, vitamin D deficiency, maternal stress and antibiotic usage. The investigators hypothesize that a follow-up program aiming at prevention of modifiable influencing factors can reduce respiratory morbidity in moderate and late prematurity. Objectives: To reduce respiratory disease burden in moderate-late preterm infants in the first 18 months of life

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Smoking Cessation; Respiratory Tract Infections; Premature Birth; Preterm Birth; Telemedicine; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Respiratory Disease; RSV Infection; Pollution; Exposure; Health-Related Behavior; eHealth; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Pollution Related Respiratory Disorder; RSV Pneumonia
• Intervention / Treatment: Combination product: LONG LOVE Framework

Detailed Description

Background of the study:

Approximately 8% of all births occur between 30-36 weeks of gestation (moderate-late prematurity). Respiratory tract infections (RTI) and wheezing illnesses disproportionally affect preterms, resulting in a 1.5-2 fold higher hospitalization rate during the first years of life compared to term-born children. Besides prematurity, several other modifiable influencing factors are associated with increased risk of respiratory morbidity and impaired pulmonary development. These factors include rapid weight gain and obesity at an early age, tobacco smoke exposure, air pollution, microbiome composition, and recurrent RTI.

To promote optimal lung health and development in moderate-late preterm infants, increased respiratory health surveillance and protection against RTI in early life might be crucial. Previous research has shown that the introduction of a multidisciplinary follow-up framework in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia resulted in a significant reduction in hospital readmissions.

Despite the burden of respiratory disease, moderate to late preterms do not currently receive standardised respiratory follow-up care. With LONG LOVE, the investigators introduce a novel follow-up framework tailored for preterms and designed to improve respiratory health. As the risk of the onset of pulmonary disease is further increased by postnatal factors such as tobacco smoke exposure, air pollution and RTI, our main focus is the detection and treatment of these modifiable influencing factors. LONG LOVE incorporates eHealth and new technology in order to measure pulmonary function and air quality. Intervention strategies include counseling on nutrition, lifestyle, medication, and improving indoor air quality.

Objective of the study:

The project's overarching aim is to diminish respiratory disease burden in moderate-late preterm born infants in their first 18 months of life.

The investigators have formulated the following specific objectives:

1. Determine whether the introduction of our follow-up framework will reduce the number and/or severity of RTI and wheezing episodes in the first 18 months of life
2. Analyse the predictive value of nocturnal impedance pneumatography on lower respiratory symptoms in prematurely born infants < 1 year of age. Further, correlate this novel tool to other forms of pulmonary function analyses such as the Lung Clearance Index and Hypoxic Challenge Test.
3. Conduct a cost-benefit analysis after the implementation of our framework.

Study design:

The investigators intend a quasi-experimental design based on a non-randomized cluster trial, in which moderate-late preterm-born infants will be allocated to the intervention or control group based on the location of birth. This design was chosen based on the limited amount of participating clusters and feasibility. As a quasi-experimental design can result in confounding by cluster and to increase internal validity, subjects of the control and intervention groups will be demographically matched at baseline[54,55]

Cluster 1 Consists of participants born in Franciscus Gasthuis (FG) and/or Vlietland (FV) and will be allocated to the intervention group, receiving additional (in addition to the current standard of care) follow-up in accordance with our newly developed framework to identify modifiable influencing factors compromising pulmonary health using validated questionnaires, weekly monitoring of respiratory symptoms as reported by parents using an app, in- and outdoor air quality measurements and non-invasive pulmonary function measurements based on impedance pneumatography.

In case of any modifiable influencing factors, appropriate lifestyle and/or medical interventions will be undertaken.

Cluster 2 (control) Consist of participants born in Maasstad Ziekenhuis (MSZ) and Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis (ASZ) and will receive standard of care follow-up.

Parents are requested to provide informed consent for the registration of outcome measurements and requested to complete validated questionnaires. Data on utilization of medical services will be inquired to avoid recall bias.

Study population:

Moderate-late preterm infants (GA 30+0-35+6 weeks) without other significant underlying syndromal, cardial, and/or pulmonal morbidities.

Intervention:

Follow-up regimen after premature birth using the LONG LOVE framework:

Identification of modifiable influencing factors Five study visits are scheduled to monitor health status on 1-1.5*, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months of age. These visits are planned in conjunction with regular follow-up examinations. Well-being and other potential risks will be determined by: growth, nutritional problems, feeding mode, pets, maternal stress (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire), sleep (Infant Sleep Questionnaire (ISQ)), tobacco smoke exposure, daycare attendance, the existence of siblings.

Air quality measurements Outdoor air analysis will be obtained using national and regional air measurement networks (RIVM Luchtmeetnet; DCMR Milieudienst Rijnmond). This network consists of a large number of air quality measurement sites, measuring harmful substances: nitric oxides (NOx, NO2), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), and ozone. Measurements will be taken from a station located nearest to the home address of the participant. Measurements are provided as publicly accessible data by the Dutch government.

Indoor air quality will be analyzed using a commercially available environment monitor. This device offers real-time monitoring of air quality factors such as temperature, humidity, particulate matter (PM1, PM2,5, PM10), carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Air quality measurements will be taken from the living room or participants' sleeping room for a total duration of 1 year.

Pulmonary function analysis Pulmonary function analysis using impedance pneumatography will be measured at 3, 6, and 12 months of age during two consecutive nights using the Ventica recorder.

eHealth All parents are requested to install a newly developed application on their phones when enrolled in the study. The app is used for a weekly evaluation of respiratory symptoms. The following clinical parameters/variables will be monitored throughout the study: Respiratory health will be determined as follows: physician-diagnosed lower RTI- and wheezing episodes, hospitalizations for respiratory problems, clinical variables such as other respiratory episodes, common colds, medication use (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics).

Interventions Aside from identification of potential health risks, our framework is designed to offer interventions if required. At baseline, all participants receive verbal and written information (App) defining potential hazardous factors regarding pulmonary development and overall health. In the event of pulmonary symptoms, parents are requested to consult a doctor.

In case of modifiable influencing factors, the following lifestyle and medical interventions will be performed:

In the case of 1.5 SDS weight gain or loss (based on birth weight), nutritional advice is provided by a paediatrician and follow-up by primary infant health care services.

In case of EPDS-scores ≥12 (stress-depression mother) consultation by lifestyle coach or community worker (Kleine Heldenhuis). If required, referral to general practitioner or psychologist/psychiatrist.

If sleep quality is affected (ISQ >12): medical advice and sleep training is provided by a paediatrician and/or primary infant health care services In the case of pulmonary symptoms: clinical assessment by a general practitioner or paediatrician. Administration of antibiotics according to Dutch board of Paediatricians guideline, optionally C-reactive protein measurement to prevent unnecessary antibiotics use If one or both caretakers are smoking: consultation by a general practitioner and primary infant health care services to provide stop-smoking services In case of inferior indoor air quality: visit by PhD-student or pulmonary care nurse to instruct how to improve air quality Optimal identification and treatment of comorbidity: gastro-oesophageal re ux disease, vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia by paediatrician Active consultancy and treatment of nasal congestion using saline and-or xylometazoline by paediatrician Bronchodilator/broncholytic (salbutamol) trial by pediatrician in event of recurrent clinical bronchial obstruction and/or abnormal expiratory variability index using impedance pneumatography. If bronchodilator therapy is regularly required (a minimum of 2 episodes 2-3 days of week for a minimal duration of two weeks), inhaled corticosteroids can be prescribed.

These interventions are performed by both primary and secondary healthcare professionals (including the PhD-student who has an active role in patient management). Primary infant healthcare services operating in the Rijnmond region will fulfill an important role and are directly involved with the implementation of this framework.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Anticipated): 330
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Kishan Tsang, MD; Phone Number: +31(0)683278272; Email: k.tsang@franciscus.nl
• Study Contact Backup: Name: Gerdien Tramper, MD, PhD; Phone Number: +31(10)4617126; Email: g.tramper@franciscus.nl

Study Locations

• Netherlands
  • Zuid-Holland
    • Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands, 3045 PM
      • Recruiting
      • Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland
      • Contact: Kishan Tsang, MD; Phone Number: +31(0)683278272; Email: kishtsang@gmail.com
      • Contact: Gerdien Tramper, MD, PhD; Phone Number: +31(0)104617126; Email: g.tramper@franciscus.nl
      • Sub-Investigator: I. de Kleer, MD, PhD
      • Principal Investigator: M.W.H Pijnenburg
      • Principal Investigator: M.G.A. Baartmans
      • Principal Investigator: E.A. Smit-Kleinlugtenbeld

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Moderate-late preterm infants (GA 30+0 - 35+6 weeks)

Exclusion Criteria:

• bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
• congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CHD),
• congenital pulmonary disorders
• hemodynamic significant cardiac disease
• immunodeficiency
• severe failure to thrive;
• birth asphyxia with poor neurological outcome
• syndromic or other severe congenital disorders with decreased life expectancy

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Prevention
• Allocation: Non-Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Intervention (LONG LOVE Framework); Consists of participants born in Franciscus Gasthuis (FG) and/or Vlietland (FV) and will be allocated to the intervention group, receiving additional (in addition to current standard of care) follow-up in accordance with our newly developed framework to identify modi able influencing factors compromising pulmonary health using validated questionnaires, weekly monitoring of respiratory symptoms as reported by parents using an app, in- and outdoor air quality measurements and non-invasive pulmonary function measurements based on impedance pneumatography. In case of any modi able influencing factors, appropriate lifestyle and/or medical interventions will be undertaken.	Combination product: LONG LOVE Framework; In order to identify modifiable influencing factors, clinical data of the infants included in our multidisciplinary framework will be continuously collected by eHealth (Luscii Healthtech BV, Netherlands). Study visits take place at 1-1,5 3, 6, 12 and 18 months of age. Outdoor air quality measurements will be conducted using RIVM Luchtmeetnet. Indoor air quality measurements will be collected during a period of 6 weeks using a commercial available device. Lung function analysis using impedance pneumatography (Ventica Recorder, Revenio Research LTD, Finland) will take place during 2 nights at 3, 6 and 12 months of age. In the event of modifiable influencing factors medical or lifestyle interventions will be undertaken.
No Intervention: Control; Consist of participants born in Maasstad Ziekenhuis (MSZ) and Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis (ASZ) and will receive standard of care follow-up. Parents are requested to provide informed consent for the registration of outcome measurements and requested to complete validated questionnaires. Data on utilization of medical services will be inquired to avoid recall bias.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Number of lower Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI)	Total number of physician diagnosed lower RTI	18 months of life
Number of wheezing episodes	Total number of physician diagnosed wheezing episodes	18 months of life

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
time to first lower RTI or wheezing episode	Elapsed time from birth until first RTI	18 months of life
total number of RTI	Total number of RTI	18 months of life
total number of wheezing episodes	total number of wheezing episodes	18 months of life
distribution of viruses (in case of hospital admission)	PCR measured viral distribution in case of hospital admission	18 months of life
medication use	Number of prescriptions (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics)	18 months of life
lung function as measured by expiratory variability index (EVI)	Average EVI in preterm infants	3, 6, 12 months of age
comparison of expiratory variability index in moderate/late prematurity compared to term cohort (reference cohort from other center)	Average EVI	3, 6, 12 months of age
correlation between expiratory variability index and Lung Capacity Index and Hypoxic Challenge Test	EVI correlation with LCI and HCT	6 months of age
association between expiratory variability index and number of RTI/wheezing	association between low expiratory variability index and number of RTI/wheezing-rate	18 months of life
Analysis of outdoor air quality	Analysis of outdoor air quality using sensor and satellite data for increased spatial resolution: exceedance of health-based criteria (WHO, EU); outdoor-indoor pollution relationship; and association between air pollution and respiratory complaints/hospital admissions	12 months
indoor air quality	Analysis of indoor air quality using low-cost air quality sensors: exceedance of health-based criteria (WHO, EU), outdoor-indoor pollution relations; effect of direct feedback and strategies on optimization of indoor air quality	12 months
Preschool Children Quality of Life	by TNO-AZL Preschool Children Quality of Life (TAPQOL)	12 and 18 months of life
Total costs of framework	Total costs of framework consist of healthcare costs (medication and other healthcare costs), productivity costs and patient costs. Healthcare use will be assessed with the institute of Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) Medical Consumption Questionnaire (iMCQ)supplemented with information on respiratory-related medication use, outpatient clinic visits and diagnostics extracted from the medical chart. Patient costs consisted of informal care and were measured using the iMTA MCQ. Healthcare and patient costs were valued according to the Dutch guideline. Productivity losses were estimated with the iMTA Productivity Cost Questionnaire (iPCQ)24 every 12 weeks. Productivity loss consists of absenteeism (sick leave), presenteeism (reduced effectiveness at work) and loss of unpaid work and will be evaluated using the iPCQ questionnaire	18 months of life
Care-related Quality of Life	Measuring and valuating the impact of providing informal care on caregivers using the CarerQoL questionnaire	18 months of life
Cost-effectiveness of framework	Societal costs as specified under 15 will be compared between both intervention and control groups.	18 months of life

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Franciscus Gasthuis
• Collaborators: Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.; Revenio Research; Stichting BeterKeten
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Gerdien Tramper, MD, PhD, Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland

Publications and helpful links

Helpful Links

• Official Research Website (Dutch)

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): July 18, 2022
• Primary Completion (Anticipated): June 30, 2025
• Study Completion (Anticipated): July 31, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: October 3, 2022
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 9, 2022
• First Posted (Actual): November 16, 2022

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): November 16, 2022
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 9, 2022
• Last Verified: September 1, 2022

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Follow-up; eHealth; Air pollution; Respiratory Disease; Late preterm; Moderate preterm; Post-Prematurity Respiratory Disease; Prematurity Associated Lung Disease; mHeath; Value Based Health Care
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Lung Diseases; Disease Attributes; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Bronchial Diseases; Pregnancy Complications; Obstetric Labor Complications; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Lung Injury; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury; Infections; Communicable Diseases; Premature Birth; Respiratory Tract Infections; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia; Respiration Disorders; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Bronchial Hyperreactivity
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2021-117

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: Undecided

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No