A wearable device to monitor brain health in newborns with oxygen deprivation

Wearable NIRS Device for Continuous Monitoring of Cytochrome C Oxidase in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11061897

This study is testing a new, affordable wearable device that helps doctors keep an eye on the brain health of newborns with a condition called hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) by measuring important markers in real-time, so they can act quickly to help these babies.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11061897 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a low-cost, wearable device that continuously monitors brain metabolism in newborns suffering from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). By using near-infrared spectroscopy, the device will measure important biomarkers related to brain health, such as the oxidation state of cytochrome c and hemoglobin levels. This real-time monitoring aims to provide critical information to healthcare providers, helping them make timely interventions to prevent further brain injury and improve outcomes for affected infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns aged 0-4 weeks diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 4 weeks or do not have a diagnosis of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better monitoring and treatment strategies for newborns with brain injuries, potentially reducing long-term disabilities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using non-invasive monitoring techniques in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.