NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating how blood flow regulation affects brain development in infants with heart defects

Official title: Longitudinal Assessment of Cerebrovascular Autoregulation (CA) and Associations to Neurodevelopmental Delays in Infants and Toddlers with and without Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-10663932 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the way blood flow to the brain works might affect the growth and development of young children with congenital heart disease, and it aims to find ways to help these kids thrive as they grow up.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Hospital of Los Angeles
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project startAugust 27, 2021
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$165,386
NIH project number5K23NR019121-03
Project IDNIH-10663932 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are infants and toddlers diagnosed with congenital heart disease, as well as those without such conditions for comparative analysis.

Less likely to help

Patients who are older than toddlers or those without any congenital heart conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how cerebrovascular autoregulation (CA) may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants and toddlers, particularly those with congenital heart disease (CHD). By examining the relationship between blood pressure and brain function using advanced techniques like Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, the study aims to identify intrinsic factors that contribute to developmental delays. The goal is to develop strategies that could improve the quality of life for children affected by CHD. Participants will be monitored over time to assess changes in their neurodevelopmental progress.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions that enhance brain development and reduce developmental delays in children with congenital heart disease.

How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of cerebrovascular autoregulation in relation to neurodevelopmental outcomes is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding brain function in pediatric populations.

Where this research is happening

  • Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Tran, Nhu — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
  • Study coordinator: Tran, Nhu

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.