Improving sedation methods to reduce brain dysfunction in ventilated children
Official title: Maximizing Efficacy of Goal-Directed Sedation to Reduce Neurological Dysfunction in Mechanically Ventilated Infants and Children Study (mini-MENDS)
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10912645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different ways of calming young kids on breathing machines in the hospital can affect their brain health, comparing a common medicine with a newer one to see which is better for their recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $818,815 |
| NIH project number | 5R33HL151951-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912645 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and children who require mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory or myocardial failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not mechanically ventilated or do not require sedation in the PICU may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different sedation methods can affect the brain health of infants and children who require mechanical ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). It focuses on comparing traditional sedation using benzodiazepines with a newer approach using dexmedetomidine, which may reduce the risk of delirium and other complications. By analyzing the outcomes of these sedation strategies, the research aims to enhance patient care and minimize the negative effects associated with prolonged sedation. The study will involve monitoring the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, and overall cognitive outcomes in young patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer sedation practices that improve recovery and cognitive outcomes for mechanically ventilated children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in adults have shown that using dexmedetomidine for sedation can significantly improve outcomes, suggesting potential success for similar approaches in pediatric patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Heidi a B — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Smith, Heidi a B
Related research
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This study looks at how anesthesia impacts blood flow and oxygen in the brains of babies and young kids, helping doctors understand any risks so they can provide safer care for children who need surgery or other procedures.
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.