Investigating brain connections in infants with periventricular leukomalacia

Thalamo-cortical circuitry in PVL

['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-10913381

This study is looking at how brain injuries in premature babies, especially a condition called periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), impact their thalamus and its connections to the brain's outer layer, and it aims to see how these changes might relate to any vision problems they might have.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10913381 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how brain injuries, specifically periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), affect the thalamus and its connections to the cerebral cortex in premature infants. By using advanced imaging techniques like diffusion MRI, the study aims to explore how changes in brain structure and connectivity relate to visual processing difficulties in these infants. Participants will undergo a series of imaging tests and visual function assessments to identify potential links between brain abnormalities and visual impairments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia who are experiencing visual processing difficulties.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have a diagnosis of periventricular leukomalacia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for visual impairments in infants affected by PVL.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity and visual processing in similar populations, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired brain injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.