๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-06-25

Melatonin as a Neuroprotective Therapy in Neonates With HIE Undergoing Hypothermia (NCT02621944)

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Early Phase1 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: University of Florida

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) occurs in 20 per 1000 births. Only 47% of neonates treated with the state of the art therapy (induced systemic hypothermia) have normal outcomes. Therefore, other promising therapies that potentially work in synergy with hypothermia to improve neurologic outcomes need to be tested. One potential agent is melatonin. Melatonin is a naturally occurring substance produced mainly from the pineal gland. Melatonin is widely known for its role in regulating the circadian rhythm, but it has many other effects that may benefit infants with HI injury. Melatonin serves as a free radical scavenger, decreases inflammatory cytokines, and stimulates anti-oxidant enzymes. Therefore, melatonin may interrupt several key components in the pathophysiology of HIE, in turn minimizing cell death and improving outcomes. The research study will evaluate the neuroprotective properties and appropriate dose of Melatonin to give to infants undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: University of Florida โ€” Gainesville, Florida

Age range: Not specified to 6 Hours

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)

  • University of Florida โ€” Gainesville, Florida
  • Florida Hospital for Children โ€” Orlando, Florida

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (352) 627-5016

Email: amcmurra@ufl.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—