Monitoring blood pressure in newborns using a wearable device
Official title: Continuous Non-Invasive Blood Pressure Monitoring in Neonates using Wearable Wireless NIRS
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11036200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, gentle device that can keep track of blood pressure in newborns without any needles or painful procedures, making it safer and easier for babies in hospitals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 10, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $237,827 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD117308-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036200 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are neonates, particularly those in neonatal intensive care units who require close monitoring of their blood pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than four weeks or those who do not require blood pressure monitoring may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive method to continuously monitor blood pressure in neonates using a wearable device called FlexNIRS. The device utilizes Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy (NIRS) technology to accurately measure blood flow and pressure without the need for invasive procedures. By capturing optical signals from the skin, the device aims to provide reliable blood pressure readings, especially for infants in critical care settings. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional blood pressure monitoring methods that can be inaccurate or risky for newborns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more accurate blood pressure monitoring for newborns, improving their care and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using non-invasive optical sensors for blood pressure monitoring, but this specific application in neonates is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Dib, Mohamed — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: El-Dib, Mohamed
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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.