How genetics and blood flow affect brain development in babies with congenital heart disease

Genetic and Hemodynamic Effects on Prenatal Cortical Development in Congenital Heart Disease

NIH-funded research Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10812227

This study is looking at how genes and blood flow affect the brain development of unborn babies with congenital heart disease, hoping to find early signs of potential learning challenges so that doctors can help these babies sooner.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10812227 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how genetic factors and blood flow impact brain development in fetuses diagnosed with congenital heart disease (CHD). By using advanced brain imaging techniques, the study aims to identify early signs of neurodevelopmental disabilities in these infants. It focuses on understanding the differences in brain growth patterns during the second trimester and how these may relate to genetic variations and blood supply issues. The goal is to develop methods for early identification of at-risk infants to improve future interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals carrying fetuses diagnosed with congenital heart disease, particularly those with single-ventricle conditions.

Not a fit: Patients without congenital heart disease or those whose pregnancies are not affected by genetic or hemodynamic factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of neurodevelopmental disabilities in infants with congenital heart disease, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using brain imaging to identify neurodevelopmental risks in similar populations, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.