Effects of long sedation on infant brain development
Official title: Impact of Prolonged Perioperative Sedation on Infant Brain
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10929935 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long periods of sedation during critical care might affect the brain development of infants, especially those with a specific condition called congenital long-gap esophageal atresia, to help us understand how these effects relate to their growth and development by the time they turn one year old.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $219,070 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA058072-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929935 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants undergoing surgery for congenital long-gap esophageal atresia who require prolonged sedation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or do not require sedation for their medical conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how prolonged sedation during critical care affects the brain development of infants, particularly those with congenital long-gap esophageal atresia. The study will use structural MRI scans to assess brain changes before and after surgery in infants who require extended sedation. It aims to understand the timing and specific areas of the brain that may be impacted, as well as the relationship between these changes and early neurodevelopmental outcomes at one year of age. By focusing on both term-born and premature infants, the research seeks to fill critical knowledge gaps regarding the safety and long-term effects of sedation practices in neonatal care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved sedation practices that better protect infant brain development during critical care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential risks associated with prolonged sedation in infants, but this specific approach to studying its effects on brain development is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bajic, Dusica — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bajic, Dusica
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving sedation methods to reduce brain dysfunction in ventilated children
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Understanding blood flow and oxygen levels in children's brains during anesthesia
This study looks at how anesthesia impacts blood flow and oxygen in the brains of babies and young kids, helping doctors understand any risks so they can provide safer care for children who need surgery or other procedures.
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.