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

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

NIH-funded research Research Triangle Institute · NIH-10911140

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Triangle Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10911140 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients who were not part of the TOP Trial or who were not born prematurely 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 health in premature infants.

How similar studies have performed: 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 Park, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.