MRI to identify causes of chronic lung disease in premature infants
Physiologic phenotyping of chronic lung disease of prematurity using MRI
Using noninvasive MRI scans that don't need sedation or contrast to find whether the airways, lung tissue, or blood flow are the main cause of breathing problems in premature babies with chronic lung disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235886 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We will use special structural and functional MRI sequences that measure both ventilation and perfusion without radiation, sedation, or gadolinium to image the lungs of preterm infants. The team will develop and apply an ALP scoring system that quantifies the relative contributions of Airways, Lung parenchyma, and Perfusion to each infant's disease. This work builds on preliminary data from 25 infants showing the imaging approach is feasible and safe in this population. The goal is to create a clear imaging profile for each infant that could guide more targeted future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Preterm infants diagnosed with chronic lung disease (formerly called bronchopulmonary dysplasia) who are clinically stable enough to undergo noncontrast MRI scans at the study site.
Not a fit: Infants who are too medically unstable for MRI, those whose breathing problems are caused by nonpulmonary issues, or older children and adults would not be expected to benefit from this specific imaging protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help clinicians choose treatments tailored to whether an infant's breathing issues come from airway narrowing, parenchymal damage, or poor lung perfusion.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot data in 25 premature infants show these MRI methods can noninvasively measure lung structure and function, but applying an ALP scoring system to subtype BPD for clinical decision-making is a novel step.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kovanlikaya, Arzu — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Kovanlikaya, Arzu
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 below.