Aggressive fever-reducing treatment to protect brains in kids with CNS malaria
Official title: Aggressive antipyretics for neuroprotection and mortality reduction in CNS malaria: A Randomized-Controlled Trial
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11604355 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing medicine alongside standard malaria treatment can lower deaths and brain injuries in children with CNS malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $12,160 |
| NIH project number | 3R34AI198088-01S3 |
| Project ID | NIH-11604355 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with CNS malaria in malaria-endemic regions who are receiving standard artesunate therapy and are eligible for adjunctive fever-reduction treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Children without CNS involvement or those who cannot tolerate the adjunctive therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project prepares for a multi-country trial in Malawi, Zambia, and the DRC to see if aggressive fever control can improve survival and reduce neurological problems in children with CNS malaria. It builds on prior evidence suggesting fever management could lessen brain inflammation and injury during malaria treatment. The goal is to enroll children with CNS involvement and implement a rigorous, randomized design to test the adjunctive therapy in real-world settings. Results could guide new standards of care to protect young patients from lasting brain damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce death and long-term neurodisabilities in children with CNS malaria.
How similar studies have gone: Early, smaller trials suggest potential benefit, but larger multinational testing is needed for conclusive evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Birbeck, Gretchen L. — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Birbeck, Gretchen L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect the brains of children with CNS malaria
A study planned for children with CNS malaria will test whether aggressive fever-reducing treatment can lower death and brain-related problems.
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Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect brains in children with CNS malaria
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Aggressive fever-fighting treatment to protect the brain in kids with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing treatment alongside standard care can lower death and brain injury in children with CNS malaria.
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Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect the brain in children with CNS malaria
This project plans a large, multi-country trial to test whether aggressive fever control helps reduce death and brain injury in African children with CNS malaria.
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Using mosquito bite biomarkers to check how well permethrin-treated baby wraps prevent malaria
Smarter protection for young children in Africa: this study looks at whether permethrin-treated baby wraps reduce malaria and uses a mosquito saliva biomarker to understand how the protection works.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.