Understanding the health of newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy
Vital Signs In Opioid-Exposed Neonates
This study is looking at babies who were exposed to opioids before they were born to learn more about their health, especially how to spot and manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, using heart and breathing monitors right after birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10904964 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on infants who were exposed to opioids before birth, aiming to better understand their health outcomes, particularly regarding neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The study will utilize cardiorespiratory dynamics—monitoring heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen levels—shortly after birth to develop mathematical models that can predict the onset and severity of NOWS. By improving the ability to assess these infants early on, the research seeks to enhance monitoring and treatment strategies for affected newborns. The project will analyze data from a large cohort of opioid-exposed infants at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns aged 0-4 weeks who have been exposed to opioids during pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not newborns or those who have not been exposed to opioids during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and treatment protocols for newborns exposed to opioids, potentially reducing the risk of serious health complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using cardiorespiratory monitoring for assessing health outcomes in newborns, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ambalavanan, Namasivayam — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Ambalavanan, Namasivayam
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.