Investigating blood biomarkers and risk factors for brain injury in Ugandan children
Official title: Blood-Biomarkers and Risk Factors of Acute Brain Injury associated with Neurodisability in Ugandan Children [BRAIN-Child]
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10682592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how serious brain injuries, like those from cerebral malaria and trauma, impact kids' thinking skills, and it aims to find certain blood markers that can help predict if children aged 5 to 15 might have problems with their brain function, especially in places where these injuries are more common.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $174,804 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS129234-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10682592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 5 to 15 years who have experienced acute brain injuries, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 5 to 15 years or those who have not experienced acute brain injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how acute brain injuries, such as those caused by cerebral malaria and traumatic brain injury, affect children's cognitive functions. It aims to identify specific blood biomarkers that can predict the risk of neurocognitive impairment in children aged 5 to 15 years. By analyzing proteins in the blood that indicate brain injury, the study seeks to develop reliable, noninvasive tools for early prognosis. The research is particularly relevant in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of such injuries is significantly higher.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early diagnosis and treatment strategies for children suffering from brain injuries, potentially reducing long-term cognitive impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have successfully identified biomarkers for brain injury in similar contexts, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Datta, Dibyadyuti — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Datta, Dibyadyuti
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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.