Noninvasive imaging of brain injuries in premature infants

Noninvasive Noncontact High-Density Optical Imaging of Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage

NIH-funded research University of Kentucky · NIH-10817033

This study is working on a new, gentle way to check for brain injuries in premature babies who have bleeding in the brain, using special light technology to monitor their blood flow and oxygen levels right at their bedside, helping doctors provide better care.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kentucky NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project IDNIH-10817033 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a noninvasive imaging technique to assess brain injuries in premature infants, particularly those suffering from germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH). By utilizing advanced near-infrared spectroscopy and tomography, the study aims to create a bedside tool that can continuously monitor cerebral blood flow and oxygen levels in these vulnerable patients. The goal is to provide healthcare professionals with reliable methods to evaluate brain injury and the effectiveness of treatments in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are very low birth weight neonates (less than 1500 grams) who are at risk for GM-IVH and related complications.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have very low birth weight may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies for brain injuries in premature infants, potentially reducing long-term neurological deficits.

How similar studies have performed: While near-infrared spectroscopy has been used in other contexts, this specific application for high-density imaging in neonates is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Lexington, 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.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.