Finding Brain Cell Damage in Newborns with Ultrasound
Quantitative Ultrasound Imaging of the Neonatal Brain
This research aims to develop a safe and easy way to find brain cell damage in newborns using sound waves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162241 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Brain injuries affect many infants each year, potentially causing irreversible cell death that is currently difficult to see. We need a non-invasive, bedside imaging method that can safely and repeatedly detect this cell death in the brain. This project uses quantitative ultrasound (QUS), a technique that detects unique changes in tissue when cells are dying. QUS is appealing because it is low-cost, portable, doesn't require contrast agents, and provides rapid results, making it ideal for use with infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on helping newborns who have experienced or are at risk for brain injuries, such as those from lack of oxygen, stroke, trauma, or certain medications.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infants or do not have brain injuries would not directly benefit from this specific imaging technique.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide doctors with a quick and safe tool to identify brain cell damage in infants, allowing for earlier and more targeted care.
How similar studies have performed: Quantitative ultrasound has shown promise in detecting cell death in cancer and cell cultures, and initial findings in non-human primates are encouraging.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ikonomidou, Hrissanthi — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Ikonomidou, Hrissanthi
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.