Improving the use of brain imaging for infants suspected of abuse
Official title: Optimizing targeted, equitable use of neuroimaging in cases of suspected infant physical abuse
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-10929358 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool to help doctors decide if babies who might have been hurt need special brain scans, so they can find hidden injuries while making sure all babies get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $144,802 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HS028847-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929358 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants who present with injuries that raise concerns for potential abuse but appear otherwise healthy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any injuries or concerns for abuse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the decision-making process for clinicians when determining whether infants with suspected physical abuse should undergo neuroimaging. By developing a clinical decision rule called CAPRICI, the study will utilize machine learning to identify which infants, despite appearing well, may have hidden brain injuries that need to be detected through imaging. This approach seeks to balance the risks of neuroimaging with the need for accurate diagnosis and protection of vulnerable children. The ultimate goal is to create equitable guidelines that reduce disparities in care for infants at risk of abuse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and equitable identification of brain injuries in infants suspected of abuse, improving their care and protection.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using machine learning for clinical decision-making is gaining traction, this specific application in the context of infant abuse is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henry, Maria Katherine — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Henry, Maria Katherine
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.