Investigating the effects of phthalate exposure on premature infants in the NICU
Official title: Phthalate Exposure and Mechanisms of Action in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Funded at Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-10736301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals found in hospitals might affect the health and development of premature babies in NICUs, with the hope of finding ways to keep these little ones safer and healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,999,075 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES034018-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10736301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or who are not admitted to a NICU may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to phthalates, common chemicals found in hospital environments, affects premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The study aims to identify the sources of phthalate exposure and its potential impact on neurodevelopment, growth, and lung health in these vulnerable infants. By analyzing data from NICU patients, researchers will explore the mechanisms through which phthalates may influence health outcomes. The goal is to improve care practices and reduce harmful exposures for infants receiving critical care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for premature infants by minimizing harmful chemical exposures in NICUs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that phthalate exposure can adversely affect health outcomes in infants, suggesting that this investigation builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Manhasset, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stroustrup, Annemarie — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Stroustrup, Annemarie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Phthalate Exposure and How It Affects Newborns in the NICU
This grant looks at how chemicals called phthalates in the NICU environment may affect the health and development of newborns, especially those born prematurely.
-
Improving care for opioid use disorder in the ICU
This project helps hospital staff in intensive care units provide better care for patients with opioid use disorder.
-
Juggling Work and Family for Parents of Very Preterm Babies
A study to understand how work and family demands affect parents of very preterm infants and how this shapes their ability to support their baby’s development.
-
Implementing SDOH screening and referrals in the NICU to support fragile newborns
A NICU-based program to screen newborns and families for social needs and connect them to services that can improve health and development.
-
Attenuating Depression with Internet CBT to Slow Cognitive Decline in Older ICU Survivors
A new online cognitive behavioral therapy program is being tested to help older ICU survivors who are experiencing depressive symptoms and may be at risk for cognitive decline.
-
Multisensory care to boost development in preterm babies in the NICU
A program called SENSE uses gentle touch, sounds, and parent bonding in the NICU to support brain development for very preterm infants and help families stay involved.
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.