Understanding brain development in children exposed to HIV and medication before birth
Neural correlates of in utero HIV and ART exposure: early childhood follow-up of a prospectively recruited cohort
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11369171
This project looks at how brain development in young children is affected when they were exposed to HIV and HIV medication before they were born.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11369171 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are following children who were exposed to HIV and anti-HIV medication while in their mother's womb. Even though these children are not infected with HIV themselves, they sometimes show differences in growth and brain development. Our team previously used MRI scans to look at their brain development and conducted tests to understand their thinking skills. This project continues to observe these children as they grow, comparing those who were unexposed, exposed to early medication, or exposed to medication later in pregnancy. We hope to learn more about how these early exposures affect their brains and overall development over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children who were part of the existing cohort in South Africa, specifically those exposed to HIV and ART in utero, as well as unexposed children.
Not a fit: Patients not part of the existing cohort or those without in utero HIV/ART exposure would not directly benefit from participation in this follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these effects could lead to better support and interventions for children exposed to HIV and ART before birth.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous findings from the same research team that observed structural and cognitive differences in these children.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VAN DER KOUWE, ANDRE JAN WILLEM — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: VAN DER KOUWE, ANDRE JAN WILLEM
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus