Investigating the effects of blood transfusions on brain development in premature infants
Official title: Transfusion of Prematurity Early School Age Follow-up (TOP 5) DCC
Funded at Research Triangle Institute · NIH-10911140 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different blood transfusion methods might impact the brain development of premature babies, and it will follow up with those children when they turn 5 to see how they are doing in terms of thinking and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $355,977 |
| NIH project number | 5U24HL143216-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911140 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children who were born prematurely and participated in the original TOP Trial, particularly those who received different blood transfusion strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not part of the TOP Trial or who were not born prematurely may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how different blood transfusion strategies affect the brain development of premature infants. By following up with children who were part of the original TOP Trial, researchers will assess their neurodevelopmental outcomes at 5 years of age. The study compares two transfusion thresholds to determine which approach leads to better cognitive and behavioral skills as the children grow. This research aims to fill a critical knowledge gap in neonatal care and improve long-term outcomes for these vulnerable infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved transfusion practices that enhance brain development and overall health in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown varying outcomes with different transfusion strategies in premature infants, making this research both relevant and necessary to establish best practices.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Triangle Institute
Research Triangle Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Das, Abhik — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Das, Abhik
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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.