Understanding how COVID-19 during pregnancy affects infant brain development
Official title: Characterizing the early childhood neurodevelopmental impact of infants exposed to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy
Funded at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-11139564 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a mother's COVID-19 infection during pregnancy might affect her baby's brain development and health as they grow, so we can better understand any risks and help families in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $83,196 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI178380-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139564 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include infants born to mothers who contracted SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not exposed to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy on the neurodevelopment of infants. The study aims to assess how maternal infection and inflammation may influence early brain development and future health outcomes in children. By directly evaluating infants rather than relying on diagnosis codes, the research seeks to provide clearer insights into the potential neurodevelopmental risks associated with COVID-19 exposure in utero. The findings could help inform healthcare strategies for affected families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for infants at risk of neurodevelopmental issues due to maternal COVID-19 infection.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been limited studies on this topic, the unique approach of directly assessing neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants born to infected mothers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mithal, Leena Bhattacharya — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mithal, Leena Bhattacharya
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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.