Investigating the long-term effects of azithromycin on childhood obesity and neurodevelopment after cesarean delivery

Childhood follow-up study of obesity and neurodevelopment after perinatal exposure to adjunctive azithromycin prophylaxis for cesarean delivery

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11070334

This study is looking at how giving the antibiotic azithromycin to mothers during childbirth affects their children's growth and brain development, especially for those born by cesarean section, and it compares these kids to others who didn't get the antibiotic to see if there are any long-term effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11070334 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines how exposure to azithromycin during the perinatal period affects childhood obesity and neurodevelopment in children born via cesarean delivery. It compares outcomes in children who were exposed to azithromycin with those who received a placebo, focusing on growth patterns and cognitive development. The study involves a large cohort of children and aims to provide insights into the long-term implications of antibiotic use during delivery. By following up with these children over several years, the research seeks to understand any potential adverse effects linked to azithromycin exposure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0 to 11 years who were born via cesarean delivery and were exposed to azithromycin or placebo during the perinatal period.

Not a fit: Patients who were not born via cesarean delivery or did not receive azithromycin during the perinatal period are unlikely to benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for antibiotic use during cesarean deliveries, ultimately enhancing child health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown significant benefits from azithromycin in reducing maternal infections, but this research is novel in its focus on long-term childhood outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, 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 2026-06-10 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.