Official Title

Omega Tots: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Long-chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation of Toddler Diets and Developmental Outcomes
  • Phase

    Phase 4
  • Study Type

    Interventional
  • Study Participants

    377
The purpose of this study is to examine whether supplementation with certain polyunsaturated fatty acids can help the cognitive development of children born preterm.
Study Started
Apr 26
2012
Primary Completion
Apr 06
2017
Study Completion
Apr 06
2017
Results Posted
May 24
2019
Last Update
Jun 29
2021

Drug Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid (DHA+AA)

200 mg DHA+ 200 mg AA per day for 6 months

Dietary Supplement Placebo

400 mg corn oil per day for 6 months

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid Experimental

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid (DHA+AA)

Placebo Placebo Comparator

Corn oil supplement

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Age 10-16 completed months (age corrected for prematurity) at baseline
Discontinued regular breastfeeding and formula feeding at the time of randomization
Gestational age < 35 completed weeks at birth
English is primary language in home
Informed consent obtained and signed
Child admitted to any NCH managed NICU or children who have ever had a Neonatology Clinic follow up visit scheduled, regardless of attendance

Exclusion Criteria:

Feeding problems
Major malformation, metabolic, or digestive disorder that would preclude participation and/or optimal absorption of the supplement.
Weight < 5th or > 95th percentile for age, per WHO growth charts
Consume DHA supplement drops, chews, or powders or Pediasure, or fatty fish more than 2x per week
Plans to move out of the area within the next 6 months
Known corn allergy
Known soy allergy
Known fish allergy

Summary

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Placebo

All Events

Event Type Organ System Event Term Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid Placebo

Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Levels

This outcome measure involved an examination of change in plasma and RBC fatty acid concentrations from the first study visit to the final study visit. The changes were calculated as the fatty acid level at 180 days minus the fatty acid level at baseline. Primary Outcome for 1st stage of project funded by Allen Foundation, Inc

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Arachidonic acid (20:4n-6)

2.0
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.6

Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3)

1.1
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.0

Docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3)

-0.1
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.1

Eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3)

Linoleic acid (18:2n-6)

-2.1
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 5.2

Total n-3

0.9
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.1

Total n-6

0.2
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 6.0

α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3)

-0.1
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.4

Placebo

Arachidonic acid (20:4n-6)

-0.2
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.1

Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3)

-0.1
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.2

Docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3)

-0.1
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.2

Linoleic acid (18:2n-6)

0.6
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 4.4

Total n-3

-0.2
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.5

Total n-6

0.4
nmol/mL (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 5.0

α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3)

Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Levels (Additional Data)

This outcome measure involved an examination of change in plasma and RBC fatty acid concentrations from the first study visit to the final study visit. The changes were calculated as the fatty acid level at 180 days minus the fatty acid level at baseline. Primary Outcome for 1st stage of project funded by Allen Foundation, Inc

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

-3.2
ratio (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 3.9

Placebo

1.6
ratio (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.8

Enrollment and Trial Completion

The number of children who enroll in the trial and the number of those children who return for study visits 2 and 3. Primary Outcome for 1st stage of project funded by Allen Foundation, Inc.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Study Visit 2 Completion

Study Visit 3 Completion

Placebo

Study Visit 2 Completion

Study Visit 3 Completion

Adherence

The mean (average) percentage of packets consumed by the children assigned to the supplement or placebo. Primary Outcome for 1st stage of project funded by Allen Foundation, Inc

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

80.6
average percentage of packets consumed (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 28

Placebo

80.7
average percentage of packets consumed (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 25

(Behavior) Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R; Short Form)

Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R; short form) was used to assess effortful control (12 items) and activity level (3 items). The IBQ-R measures early temperament-based inhibitory control,a key component of executive function as children mature. Scores range from 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating greater frequency of behaviors. IBQ-R scores were measured at baseline and then again at study completion (180 days post randomization). The scores were calculated as a change between two time points (the IBQ-R value at 180 days minus the IBQ-R value at baseline).

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Activity Level

0.6
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.5

Effortful Control

-0.7
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.8

Placebo

Activity Level

0.5
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.5

Effortful Control

-0.5
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.8

(Development) Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition(Bayley-III)

Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition, (Bayley-III) is an instrument designed to measure the developmental functioning of infants and toddlers between the ages of 1 month and 42 months (age adjustments for prematurity are accommodated with the tool). It provides age specific composite scores for cognitive (91 items,score min 55 max 145), language (98 items, score min 47 max 153), and motor (138 items, score min 46 max 154) skills. For all scales, higher scores are better and lower scores indicate possible delay/deficit. Bayley-III scores were measured at baseline and then again at study completion (180 days post randomization). The scores were calculated as a change between two time points (the Bayley-III value at 180 days minus the Bayley-III value at baseline). Secondary Outcome for 1st stage of project funded by Allen Foundation, Inc; Primary Outcome for 2nd stage of project funded by March of Dimes and Health Resources and Services Administration

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Cognitive Composite

-2.6
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 13.3

Language Composite

-0.5
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 12.0

Motor Composite

-0.6
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 12.5

Placebo

Cognitive Composite

-3.7
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 12.2

Language Composite

0.2
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 12.6

Motor Composite

-0.4
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 12.7

Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ)

The following sleep characteristics were captured based on caregiver-report: nocturnal sleep duration (hours), daytime sleep duration (hours), total sleep duration within a 24-hour period (hours). Larger values represent more time spent in each type of sleep. BISQ scores were measured at baseline and then again at study completion (180 days post randomization). The scores were calculated as a change between two time points (the BISQ value at 180 days minus the BISQ value at baseline).

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Daytime Sleep Duration

-0.32
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.15

Nocturnal Sleep Duration

0.25
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.61

Total Sleep Duration

-0.07
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.22

Placebo

Daytime Sleep Duration

-0.46
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.25

Nocturnal Sleep Duration

-0.16
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.34

Total Sleep Duration

-0.57
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.7

Body Composition

Changes in body composition from baseline to 6 months post-randomization (weight, recumbent length, head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfolds). These measurements were converted to z scores for corrected age based on Child Growth Standards from the World Health Organization. The z-score indicates the number of standard deviations away from the mean. A z score of 0 is equal to the mean of a reference population (children the same age and sex). Values less than 0 indicate values lower than the reference population, while values greater than 0 indicate values higher than the reference population.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Head Circumference

Mid-Upper Arm Circumference

Recumbent Length

0.1
z scores (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.9

Subscapular Skinfold

-0.2
z scores (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.8

Triceps Skinfold

Weight

0.1
z scores (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.4

Placebo

Head Circumference

-0.1
z scores (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.5

Mid-Upper Arm Circumference

0.1
z scores (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.7

Recumbent Length

0.2
z scores (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.9

Subscapular Skinfold

-0.2
z scores (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.9

Triceps Skinfold

-0.1
z scores (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 0.8

Weight

Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (BITSEA)

BITSEA measures socioemotional development in toddlerhood. Scores were summed to provide competence (range: 0-22) and problem (range: 0-62) scores, respectively. The problem scale is further divided into subscales: externalizing (6 items; range: 0-12), internalizing (8 items; range: 0-16), and dysregulation (8 items; range: 0-16). Additionally, 14 items comprise a red flag scale (range: 0-28). Eight items from the competence and nine items from the problem subscales are indicative of behaviors often seen in children with ASD. Each of the 17 ASD items was dichotomized to illustrate the presence (1) (i.e., competence items absent, problem items present) or absence (0) (i.e., competence items present, problem items absent) of each ASD behavior. Items were then summed to derive an ASD score (range: 0-17). Higher competence scores represent better functioning, whereas higher problem (including the problem subscales), red flag, and ASD scores were indicative of poorer functioning.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

ASD

4.11
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.29

Competence

16.5
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 3.09

Dysregulation

3.25
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.57

Externalizing

2.29
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.06

Internalizing

2.04
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.58

Problem

9.81
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 6.01

Red Flag

2.93
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.48

Placebo

ASD

4.36
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.98

Competence

16.73
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.94

Dysregulation

3.29
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.59

Externalizing

2.3
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.98

Internalizing

2.31
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.10

Problem

10.18
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 6.84

Red Flag

3.12
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.85

Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test - II, Stage 2 (PDDST-II)

The PDDST-II is a clinically derived, caregiver-completed screener to assist in differentiating an ASD diagnosis from other disorders in children with developmental concerns, including those born preterm. The PDDST-II comprised 14 yes/no items that indicate the presence (1) or absence (0) of developmental concerns. Items were summed (possible range: 0-14) and higher scores represented greater developmental concern.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

2.91
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.35

Placebo

3.37
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 3.02

Other Long-term Outcomes: Sleep (BISQ)

Long-term (26-32 months of age) outcomes. This will be evaluated using scores on the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ).The following sleep characteristics were captured based on caregiver-report: nocturnal sleep duration (hours), daytime sleep duration (hours), total sleep duration within a 24-hour period (hours). Larger values represent more time spent in each type of sleep. BISQ scores were measured at baseline and then again at post-intervention follow-up (approximately 8 months after the trial ended). The scores were calculated as a change between two time points (the BISQ value at post-intervention follow-up minus the BISQ value at baseline).

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Daytime Sleep Duration

-0.46
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.30

Nocturnal Sleep Duration

-0.11
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.68

Total Sleep Duration

-0.57
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 2.20

Placebo

Daytime Sleep Duration

-0.81
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.41

Nocturnal Sleep Duration

-0.38
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.43

Total Sleep Duration

-1.17
hours (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 1.85

Other Long-term Outcomes: Sleep (CSHQ)

Long-term (26-32 months of age) outcomes. This will be evaluated using the total score on a subset of 13 items from the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). The range in total score is 13-39. A higher score is indicative of more sleep problems.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

18.82
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 4.96

Placebo

19.57
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 5.40

Long-term Efficacy in Improving Cognition

Long-term (26-32 months of age) cognitive outcome. This will be evaluated based on standard scores from the cognitive section of the Developmental Profile - 3. The range in standard scores is 40-140 with higher scores represent better cognitive ability.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

103.36
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 19.00

Placebo

107.93
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 19.93

Long-term Efficacy in Improving Executive Functions (BRIEF-P)

Long-term (26-32 months of age) executive function outcomes. This will be evaluated using scores on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Preschool Version (BRIEF-P). The BRIEF-P yields five clinical scales, each measuring a different aspect of executive function: inhibit, shift, emotional control, working memory, and plan/organize. The clinical scales merge to create four broad indices of executive function: inhibitory self-control, flexibility, emergent metacognition, and global executive composite. A t-score of 50 is equal to the population mean with scores below 50 indicating better executive function, and scores above 50 indicating worse executive function for each reported aspect.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Emergent Metacognition Index

52.17
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 11.27

Emotional Control

48.55
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 8.20

Flexibility Index

47.62
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 8.72

Global Executive Composite

50.09
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 10.60

Inhibit

50.2
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 10.69

Inhibitory Self-control Index

49.44
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 9.44

Plan/Organize

49.66
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 10.58

Shift

47.08
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 8.89

Working Memory

53.79
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 11.30

Placebo

Emergent Metacognition Index

55.01
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 13.76

Emotional Control

49.98
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 9.33

Flexibility Index

49.6
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 9.88

Global Executive Composite

52.67
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 12.51

Inhibit

51.91
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 10.57

Inhibitory Self-control Index

51.13
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 10.23

Plan/Organize

52.69
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 12.02

Shift

49.16
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 9.92

Working Memory

56.04
units on a scale (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 13.63

Long-term Efficacy in Improving Executive Functions (CBCL)

Long-term (26-32 months of age) executive function outcomes. This will be evaluated using scores on the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems DSM oriented subscale and the Attention syndrome subscale of the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5 (CBCL). A t-score of 50 is equal to the population mean with scores below 50 indicating less behavioral problems, and scores above 50 indicating more behavioral problems.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems

55.04
t-score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 6.90

Attention Problems

55.21
t-score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 7.10

Placebo

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems

55.08
t-score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 6.43

Attention Problems

55.71
t-score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 6.82

Other Long-term Outcomes: Pervasive Developmental Problems

Long-term (26-32 months of age) outcomes. This will be evaluated using scores on the Pervasive Developmental Problems DSM oriented scale on the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5-5 (CBCL). A t-score of 50 is equal to the population mean with scores below 50 indicating less problems and scores above 50 indicating more problems.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

53.76
t-score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 6.12

Placebo

55.54
t-score (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 7.78

Other Long-term Outcomes: Language

Long-term (26-32 months of age) outcomes. This will be evaluated using scores on the Communicative Development Inventory (CDI). On this measure, caregivers selected the number of words from a list of 100 common words that their child used. Scores reflect the total number of words, from the list of 100, that the child used.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

56.68
words (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 28.75

Placebo

61.15
words (Mean)
Standard Deviation: 27.94

Other Long-term Outcomes: Number of Participants With Developmental Delay

Long-term (26-32 months of age) outcomes. This will be evaluated using caregiver reports/diagnoses of developmental delay.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Placebo

Other Long-term Outcomes: Number of Participants With Behavior Difficulties

Long-term (26-32 months of age) outcomes. This will be evaluated using caregiver reports/diagnoses of behavioral difficulties.

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Placebo

Total

377
Participants

Age, Continuous

15.7
Months (Median)
Inter-Quartile Range: 13.6 to 16.5

Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)

Race (NIH/OMB)

Region of Enrollment

Sex: Female, Male

Overall Study

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Placebo

Drop/Withdrawal Reasons

Docosahexaenoic Acid + Arachidonic Acid

Placebo