NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding brain injury in preterm infants after intestinal complications

Official title: Pathogenic Mechanisms of Inflammatory Subventricular Zone Injury in Preterm Infants

Funded at Duke University · NIH-11028462 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Preterm research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project startMarch 13, 2025
Project endJanuary 31, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$635,386
NIH project number1R01NS140419-01
Project IDNIH-11028462 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

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

Less likely to help

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

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.

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 gone: 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

  • Duke University
    Durham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Benner, Eric J — Duke University
  • Study coordinator: Benner, Eric J

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.