Effects of stress on brain development in very preterm infants
Official title: Neonatal Stress in Very Preterm Infants: Longitudinal Effects on Epigenetics and Neurodevelopment
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11145367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects the brain development of very preterm babies and how their caregivers' stress plays a role, with the goal of finding better ways to support these little ones and their families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD110605-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are very preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestation and their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not very preterm or those who do not have caregivers experiencing distress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how physiological stress experienced by very preterm infants affects their brain development and epigenetic changes. It aims to understand the relationship between stress in these infants and their neurodevelopmental outcomes, while also considering the impact of caregiver distress. The study will create new ways to measure stress in infants and explore how these factors interact over time to influence development. By focusing on both the infants and their caregivers, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions that enhance neurodevelopmental outcomes for very preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of stress on neurodevelopment, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Momany, Allison Marie — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Momany, Allison Marie
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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.