Exploring how microRNAs respond to opioid withdrawal in newborns and their potential as biomarkers for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Understanding the miRNA response to opioid withdrawal and their uses as potential biomarkers for neonatal abstinence syndrome
This study is looking at how newborns who are going through opioid withdrawal, called neonatal abstinence syndrome, respond biologically, and it hopes to find specific markers in their blood that can help doctors understand how severe their withdrawal is and what their future development might be like, ultimately aiming to improve care for these little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10897772 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological response of infants experiencing withdrawal from opioids at birth, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). It aims to identify specific microRNAs in the blood that could serve as objective biomarkers to assess the severity of withdrawal and predict neurodevelopmental outcomes. By enhancing our understanding of the molecular factors involved, the research seeks to develop clinical tests that can guide treatment decisions and improve care for affected infants. The study focuses on the differences in the response to opioid withdrawal in newborns compared to adults, which has been less explored in previous research.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms due to maternal opioid use during pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not newborns or those who do not have a history of maternal opioid use may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for infants suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on opioid administration in adults, this approach focusing on newborns and their unique responses to withdrawal is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, Rhea Elena — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, Rhea Elena
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 below.