Investigating the effects of blood transfusions on brain development in premature infants

Transfusion of Prematurity Early School Age Follow-up (TOP 5) CCC

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-10909876

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10909876 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children who were born prematurely and received red blood cell transfusions during their neonatal care.

Not a fit: Patients who were not born prematurely or did not receive blood transfusions during their neonatal care may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

IOWA CITY, 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 →

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.