The feasibility of optical imaging in neonates
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An observational (pilot) study to assess the feasibility of photoacoustic and hyperspectral imaging of neonates in the context of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and lung atelectasis/infection
IRAS ID
263923
Contact name
Iain Yardley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/a, N/a
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is among the most devastating of neonatal diseases. It is an inflammatory process, characterized by intestinal necrosis of variable extension, leading to perforation, generalized peritonitis and death. The pathophysiology of NEC is not fully understood, while its clinical presentation is varied and nonspecific, making early diagnosis challenging.
Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is the second commonest cause for antibiotic use in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). As it mainly develops in patients with underlying chronic lung disease, its diagnosis remains a real challenge.
The aim of this research project is to develop and translate innovative imaging devices to address the acute need for earlier diagnosis, better monitoring and improved surgical management in NEC and lung atelectasis/infection. These imaging techniques will be performed in addition to the standard and routine care.
The aim is to demonstrate the clinical feasibility of photoacoustic imaging (PAI) for early diagnosis of both NEC and VAP and to explore the use of real-time intra-operative hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for surgical assessment of necrosis.
PAI provides information on the optical properties of tissue combined with ultrasound imaging. This can potentially aid the diagnosis of both NEC and lung atelectasis/infection.
HSI enables the acquisition of much richer information than can be seen with the naked eye. Using HSI, blood concentration, blood oxygenation and other surface-based aspects of tissue structure can be assessed, potentially guiding surgical decision making.
For both techniques, the light source is safe with operating power below ANSI (American National Standard Institute) safety limits.Neither techniques is current part of standard care but both have the potential to significantly improve patient welfare through faster and more precise diagnosis and treatment, as well as providing economic benefits for hospitals by reducing the number of surgeries and subsequent length of stay.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1425
Date of REC Opinion
5 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion