Preterm Brain-Oxygenation and Metabolic EU-Sensing: Feed the Brain

Introduction

Prometeus introduces a new paradigm for personalized nutrition of prematurely born neonates in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) by developing a groundbreaking technology for real-time adjustment of glucose and nutrient intakes to target neonatal brain needs.

Importance of Nutrition

The brain of a baby born prematurely is highly susceptible to early neonatal injuries that, in turn, increase the risk for neurodevelopmental disability. Provision of adequate nutrients and oxygen is essential for proper brain development and growth.

Current Challenges

However, current nutritional strategies are unfit to target real-time brain necessities and are driven by pre-specified (non-personalized) nutritional charts, in the absence of contemporary cot-side monitoring of both brain “health” and metabolic supplies.

As a consequence, sudden changes in brain fuel requirements cannot be promptly addressed by real-time adjustment of glucose and nutrient provision.

Development of a Metabolic Model

Prometeus will develop a metabolic model of the interaction between the three key brain fuels:

1. Glucose
2. Lactate
3. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)

This model will assess their effect on regional cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxygen saturation (StO2), and metabolism (CMRO2). The model will serve to individualize brain nutrition targeting “brain health” according to the inputs derived from two novel minimally invasive metabolic sensing systems:

• A wearable cap measuring regional CBF, StO2, and CMRO2
• A subcutaneous miniaturized metabolic sensor for glucose, lactate, and BHB

Creating a Metabolic "Womb"

The system will create a metabolic “womb” to feed the brain of preterm neonates.

Parent-Dedicated Interface

Prometeus will be paralleled by a parent-dedicated interface, exploiting a purposely developed family-adjusted visual language, that will inform parents of preterm babies during their NICU admission and stay.

Expected Impact

Prometeus will dramatically reduce the risk for prematurity-associated disability in Europe and worldwide, with a consequent incalculable ethical, social, and economic impact.