Finding which very preterm children are at risk for school and behavior problems
A New Model to Identify Preterm Neonates at High-Risk for Cognitive Impairments and School Readiness
Using early brain MRI and follow-up testing, doctors want to spot very preterm children who may have trouble with reading, math, or behavior so they can get help sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259467 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If my child joins, the team will use advanced brain MRI done near the baby’s due date (term‑corrected age) and follow the child with regular developmental tests through ages 5 to 7. They will study white matter and other MRI markers and link those early brain findings to later skills in math, reading, self‑regulation, and behavior. The project builds on a large North American group of children born very preterm and includes repeated testing over time to map developmental trajectories. The goal is to find which kids would benefit from early supports while the brain is still most adaptable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children born very preterm (born before 32 weeks gestation), particularly those with neonatal brain MRI data or who are due for follow‑up around ages 5–7, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Full‑term children or those without a history of very preterm birth are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could let clinicians identify at‑risk children earlier so families can get targeted education and behavior supports that improve school readiness.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work from this team and others showed neonatal MRI signs can predict developmental problems at ages 2–3, while extending prediction to school‑age outcomes is newer but supported by promising findings.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parikh, Nehal a. — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Parikh, Nehal a.
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.