Noninvasive ultrasound clues to brain pressure and health in newborns with hydrocephalus
Official title: Novel Ultrasound Indices of Intracranial Pressure and Brain Ischemia in Neonatal Hydrocephalus
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11330498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new ultrasound approach aims to noninvasively measure brain pressure and blood flow changes in babies with hydrocephalus to guide treatment.
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 start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $686,026 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS119473-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Infants with or at risk for neonatal hydrocephalus who require evaluation of intracranial pressure or brain perfusion.
✕Less likely to help
Infants without hydrocephalus or without suspected elevated ICP may not benefit from these ultrasound indices.
What this research studies
This project uses contrast-enhanced ultrasound in a neonatal brain model to detect intracranial pressure and brain ischemia without opening the skull. The team will track tiny bubbles to map blood flow and identify when shunting may be needed, with the goal of safer, faster decision-making. It focuses on a vulnerable population (0-11 years birth to infancy) and seeks to improve outcomes for infants with hydrocephalus by providing more precise, noninvasive brain health indicators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier, safer decisions about shunting and better neurodevelopmental outcomes for newborns with hydrocephalus.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal model work supports the feasibility of CEUS for brain perfusion, but human-validated neonatal ICP/ischemia indices are still being established.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hwang, Misun — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Hwang, Misun
Related research
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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.