New ultrasound methods to measure brain pressure and health in newborns with hydrocephalus
Novel Ultrasound Indices of Intracranial Pressure and Brain Ischemia in Neonatal Hydrocephalus
This study is working on a new, safe way to check brain health and pressure in newborns with hydrocephalus using a special ultrasound technique, which could help doctors make quicker and better treatment decisions for these babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141504 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal hydrocephalus, a condition affecting newborns that can lead to serious brain damage. The team is developing a noninvasive ultrasound technique called contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to measure intracranial pressure and assess brain health without the risks associated with invasive procedures. By using microbubbles injected into the bloodstream, they aim to provide real-time insights into brain perfusion and pressure, which could lead to timely interventions and better outcomes for affected infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with hydrocephalus or those at risk of developing the condition due to factors like intraventricular hemorrhage or congenital abnormalities.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or those without a diagnosis of hydrocephalus may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more accurate methods for diagnosing and managing brain pressure in newborns, potentially reducing the risk of long-term neurological damage.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using ultrasound techniques for brain assessment, but this specific approach using CEUS in neonatal hydrocephalus is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hwang, Misun — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Hwang, Misun
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.