Understanding Coma in Children with Cerebral Malaria
Defining the mechanism of coma in cerebral malaria
This research aims to discover why children with cerebral malaria fall into a coma by looking at a specific chemical in their blood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122225 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project explores why some children with severe malaria develop a coma, a serious complication that can be life-threatening. We have found high levels of a chemical called pipecolic acid (PA) in the blood of children with cerebral malaria. This research will investigate if high PA levels in the brain cause the coma by affecting brain signals. We will also study how the malaria parasite produces PA and if PA helps the parasite survive, which could reveal new targets for treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on understanding cerebral malaria in children, particularly those aged 0-11 years who experience coma due to the infection.
Not a fit: Patients with other causes of coma or those who do not have cerebral malaria would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat coma in children with cerebral malaria, potentially saving lives and improving recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in animal models have suggested that pipecolic acid can induce coma and affect brain receptors, providing a basis for this novel investigation into cerebral malaria.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daily, Johanna Patricia — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Daily, Johanna Patricia
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.