Understanding how opioid exposure affects children's brain function

Executive function in opioid-exposed offspring and subsequent molecular signatures

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY · NIH-10983752

This study is looking at how using opioids during pregnancy might affect kids' thinking skills, like paying attention and controlling impulses, and it’s for parents who want to understand the potential impacts on their children.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10983752 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of maternal opioid use on the cognitive abilities of children, particularly focusing on executive function, which includes skills like attention and impulse control. By using both rodent models and human samples, the study aims to identify the biological mechanisms that lead to cognitive deficits in children born to mothers who used opioids during pregnancy. The research will also employ bioinformatics to uncover molecular signatures associated with these cognitive challenges, ultimately aiming to develop effective treatment strategies for affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children who were born to mothers with a history of opioid use, particularly those who may exhibit cognitive deficits.

Not a fit: Patients who were not exposed to opioids during pregnancy or do not exhibit cognitive challenges related to executive function may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for children affected by maternal opioid exposure, enhancing their cognitive development and overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically addressing executive function deficits in children exposed to opioids, the approach of using animal models to understand cognitive impacts has shown promise in other areas of developmental neuroscience.

Where this research is happening

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.