New method to predict eye problems in premature babies
Official title: Novel non-invasive approach for predicting retinopathy of prematurity in premature neonates
Funded at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-10933417 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a gentle way to check the tiny blood vessels in the nails of premature babies to see if it can help find out which ones might be at risk for eye problems and other serious issues, so we can help them sooner and keep them healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $232,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY033510-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933417 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants, particularly those with very low birth weight.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have very low birth weight may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a non-invasive technique called nailfold capillaroscopy to monitor the development of tiny blood vessels in premature infants. By examining the capillary network in the nailbed, researchers aim to identify which babies are at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other serious complications. The study will track the capillary density in very-low-birthweight infants over time to see if it can predict ROP. This approach could provide a way to intervene early and improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early detection and intervention for retinopathy of prematurity, potentially reducing blindness and other complications in premature infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that nailfold capillaroscopy is effective in predicting complications in adults and children, but its application in premature infants is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Plaen, Isabelle G — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: De Plaen, Isabelle G
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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.