Investigating the effects of blood transfusions on brain development in premature infants
Official title: Transfusion of Prematurity Early School Age Follow-up (TOP 5) CCC
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10909876 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different blood transfusion methods might affect the brain development of premature babies, and it will check in on how these kids are doing at age five to see if there are any lasting effects on their thinking, behavior, and movement skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $547,170 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3HL143204-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909876 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children who were born prematurely and received red blood cell transfusions during their neonatal care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not born prematurely or did not receive blood transfusions during their neonatal care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how different blood transfusion strategies impact the brain development of premature infants. By following up with children who were part of the original TOP Trial, the study aims to evaluate their neurodevelopmental outcomes at the age of five. Researchers will compare the effects of liberal versus restrictive transfusion thresholds on cognitive, behavioral, and motor skills. This approach will help identify any long-term developmental issues that may arise from the transfusion practices used in neonatal intensive care units.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved transfusion practices that enhance brain development and overall outcomes for premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown varying outcomes regarding transfusion practices in neonates, but this specific follow-up on long-term neurodevelopmental effects is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conrad, Amy Lynn — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Conrad, Amy Lynn
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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.