Effects of stress on brain development in very preterm infants

Neonatal Stress in Very Preterm Infants: Longitudinal Effects on Epigenetics and Neurodevelopment

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11145367

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11145367 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are very preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestation and their caregivers.

Not a fit: Patients who are not very preterm or those who do not have caregivers experiencing distress may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

IOWA CITY, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.