Brain ultrasound and microcirculation to understand early brain development in HIV-exposed uninfected infants
Official title: Using Brain Ultrasound Imaging, Microcirculation and Parenchymal Stiffness to Assess for Mechanisms of Early Neurodevelopmental Disparities among Infants HIV-Exposed Uninfected
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11550796 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re studying how brain ultrasound and blood flow patterns in newborns exposed to HIV and antiretroviral drugs (but not infected) relate to their early neurodevelopment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $354,805 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH140602-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11550796 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Infants who were exposed to HIV and antiretroviral drugs in utero but are HIV-uninfected, and their families.
✕Less likely to help
Infants without HEU exposure or those not undergoing imaging studies are unlikely to benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced brain ultrasound techniques to look at blood flow, tissue stiffness, and brain structure in HEU infants. By following affected babies over time, researchers aim to identify early imaging markers that predict developmental outcomes. The study emphasizes safety, feasibility, and the use of portable ultrasound to reach diverse populations. The findings could point to timely interventions to support motor and language development in HEU children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help clinicians identify HEU infants who need early support services to improve neurodevelopment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports that early imaging and development tracking can guide timely interventions, though this study applies newer ultrasound modalities to HEU infants.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powis, Kathleen — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Powis, Kathleen
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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.