Cerebrospinal fluid drainage in babies with bleeding-related hydrocephalus

Assessing CSF flow dynamics in pediatric hemorrhagic hydrocephalus

NIH-funded research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11324957

This project looks at how cerebrospinal fluid drains in newborns who develop hydrocephalus after brain bleeding, and how drainage relates to inflammation and recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11324957 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If my baby joins, doctors will use a new, noninvasive imaging method called fluorescence cap-based transcranial optical tomography (fCTOT) to watch how cerebrospinal fluid moves between the brain ventricles and lymphatic drainage pathways. They will also collect biological markers of neuroinflammation and combine those results with brain imaging and clinical follow-up. The pilot aims to find patterns that predict which infants worsen and to point toward better ways to prevent long-term brain injury.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are premature newborns or infants who have had intraventricular hemorrhage and developed or are at risk for post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus.

Not a fit: Older children, adults, or children whose hydrocephalus is caused by non-bleeding conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this pilot.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help clinicians spot babies at high risk for worsening hydrocephalus and guide treatments to prevent long-term brain damage.

How similar studies have performed: Animal and preclinical studies support a role for impaired lymphatic CSF outflow and inflammation in hydrocephalus, but using fCTOT imaging in human infants is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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 2026-06-13 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.