Understanding Brain Development in Children Exposed to HIV and Treatment Before Birth
Neural correlates of in utero HIV and ART exposure: early childhood follow-up of a prospectively recruited cohort
This research follows children exposed to HIV and anti-HIV medication before birth to better understand their brain development and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11369015 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many children born to mothers with HIV are not infected themselves but may still face health challenges, including slower growth and developmental delays. Our previous work found differences in brain development and thinking skills in these children during infancy. This follow-up will continue to observe these children as they grow, using brain imaging and developmental assessments. We hope to learn more about how exposure to HIV and its treatments before birth affects their long-term development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This follow-up is for children who were previously part of a cohort recruited in South Africa, whose mothers were living with HIV during pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients not part of the original cohort or those who were not exposed to HIV or ART before birth would not directly benefit from this specific follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to support the health and development of children exposed to HIV and anti-HIV medication before birth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous phases of this research have already identified structural and functional brain differences and poorer cognitive performance in these children during infancy.
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.