Effects of HIV exposure on brain development in children

Long-term neurocognitive outcomes of HIV-exposed uninfected children

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10857298

This study is looking at how being exposed to HIV while in the womb, even if the child doesn’t have the virus, affects their brain development and thinking skills as they grow up, and it’s designed for families in Malawi to help find ways to support these kids better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10857298 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the long-term neurocognitive outcomes of children who were exposed to HIV in utero but are uninfected themselves. It focuses on understanding how exposure to HIV and antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy affects the health and cognitive development of these children. The study involves screening pregnant women and enrolling infants in Malawi, analyzing their immune responses and cognitive abilities over time. By identifying risk factors for neurocognitive delays, the research aims to inform interventions that can improve outcomes for these children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who were exposed to HIV in utero but are not infected themselves.

Not a fit: Patients who are HIV-infected or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that enhance the cognitive development and overall health of HIV-exposed uninfected children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated potential cognitive impairments in HIV-exposed uninfected children, suggesting that this area of study is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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 Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
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.