Investigating brain connectivity and its effects on development in children with congenital heart disease.
Official title: Does Altered Brain Connectivity Correlate with Developmental Outcomes and Executive Function in Congenital Heart Disease?
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10889591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in brain connections in kids with congenital heart disease might affect their development and thinking skills, so we can find better ways to support them as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $223,224 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD112697-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children diagnosed with congenital heart disease, particularly those exhibiting signs of neurodevelopmental disabilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without congenital heart disease or those who do not exhibit neurodevelopmental challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how altered brain connectivity in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) relates to their developmental outcomes and executive function. By examining both in utero and postnatal factors, the study aims to identify better predictors of executive function impairment, which is crucial for independent living and mental health. The research utilizes advanced imaging techniques to analyze brain structure and connectivity, focusing on how various factors, including surgery and parenting, may influence neurodevelopment. The goal is to improve the allocation of services and interventions for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and intervention strategies for children with congenital heart disease, enhancing their cognitive and developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity and its impact on cognitive function in similar populations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chung, Ai Wern — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chung, Ai Wern
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Multimodal AI to improve genetic diagnosis of congenital heart disease
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Brain injury risk in preterm babies with heart disease and how surgery choices affect their brains
This project follows newborns with congenital heart disease born early to understand how their brains are affected and how different surgical approaches might influence outcomes.
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Heart development study using patient stem cells to understand NOTCH1 and congenital heart disease
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A new AI tool analyzes infant heart ultrasound images to help non-specialist health workers identify five common, treatable heart defects early.
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.