Cyclohexanone exposure during infant heart surgery and child development
Official title: Role of Cyclohexanone Toxicity in Mediating Congenital Cardiac Surgery Outcomes
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11083069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether a chemical that can leach from plastic medical devices used in infant heart operations is linked to heart recovery and later brain development in babies and young children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $688,618 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL158593-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Newborns and infants with congenital heart defects who are scheduled for cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass or IV infusions are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who are not undergoing congenital heart surgery, older children or adults, or patients whose care does not use plastic devices that release cyclohexanone are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
If your baby needs congenital heart surgery, researchers will measure cyclohexanone — a chemical that can come from plastic medical devices — in blood samples taken during and after surgery. They will track early heart recovery and follow development up to at least 12 months to see if higher chemical levels link with worse outcomes. The team builds on pilot data and animal findings and will account for other medical factors when comparing exposures and outcomes. The long-term aim is to develop prevention strategies, such as safer materials or different procedures, to protect children’s hearts and brains.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could identify a preventable source of harm during infant heart surgery and lead to safer devices or practices that improve cardiac and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Animal studies and pilot data in newborns have linked cyclohexanone exposure to cardiovascular effects and worse 12-month neurodevelopment, but larger confirmatory studies are still needed.
Where this research is happening
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Everett, Allen D — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Everett, Allen D
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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.