Understanding brain injury in preterm infants after intestinal complications

Pathogenic Mechanisms of Inflammatory Subventricular Zone Injury in Preterm Infants

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11028462

This study is looking at how problems from being born too early, like intestinal issues, can affect brain health in babies, and it hopes to find early signs of brain injury using special ultrasound scans, which could help doctors take action sooner to support these little ones.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11028462 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how complications from preterm birth, specifically intestinal perforation, can lead to brain injury in infants. Using a mouse model, the study explores the injury to the ependymal cell layer in the brain, which plays a crucial role in brain development. The researchers aim to identify early indicators of brain injury through cranial ultrasound, potentially allowing for earlier interventions in affected infants. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve outcomes for preterm infants at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who experience complications such as intestinal perforation.

Not a fit: Patients who are full-term infants or those without complications related to preterm birth may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention strategies for brain injury in preterm infants, improving their long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that early detection of brain injury in preterm infants can lead to better management strategies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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 injuryAnimal Disease Models
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.