Early life factors shaping heart health in HIV-exposed versus unexposed kids in South Africa

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

Researchers will use data from the Drakenstein Child Health Study to track metabolite changes and inflammation from infancy to early adolescence in HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV-unexposed (HU) children. They will measure about 250 metabolites and look at how early-life infections and HIV exposure relate to later cardiometabolic outcomes. This work aims to map metabolic pathways linked to inflammation that could contribute to higher heart disease risk in HEU kids. The study builds on previous metabolomics findings to identify potential early biomarkers and intervention points. Participation involves ongoing follow-up of children in a well-characterized cohort in South Africa.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Hartford Hospital
  Hartford, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Pellowski, Jennifer Ann — Hartford Hospital
• Study coordinator: Pellowski, Jennifer Ann

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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.