Using brain ultrasound to understand early brain development in HIV-exposed uninfected infants
Official title: Using Brain Ultrasound Imaging, Microcirculation and Parenchymal Stiffness to Assess for Mechanisms of Early Neurodevelopmental Disparities among Infants HIV-Exposed Uninfected
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11405488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in HIV-exposed but uninfected babies will use brain ultrasound to look for clues about why some infants have neurodevelopmental delays.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $280,108 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH140602-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11405488 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Infants born to mothers with HIV who are HIV-uninfected (HEU), particularly in the first years of life.
✕Less likely to help
Very young infants without HEU status or those not undergoing ultrasound assessments may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will use safe, bedside brain ultrasound techniques to examine brain microcirculation, stiffness, and imaging features in HEU infants. Researchers will combine ultrasound data with developmental assessments to identify early markers that predict later neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study emphasizes a practical, noninvasive approach that can be repeated over time to track changes as infants grow. Results could help identify which infants might benefit from early interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to earlier identification of at-risk infants and inform targeted early support to improve developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous ultrasound-based approaches have shown promise in detecting brain changes in newborns, with growing use of microvascular imaging and elastography.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powis, Kathleen — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Powis, Kathleen
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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.