Using EEG to diagnose and predict outcomes in Malawian children with febrile coma
Official title: Evaluating EEG as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in Malawian children with febrile coma
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-10760235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain wave patterns measured by EEG can help doctors tell the difference between coma caused by malaria and other reasons in children in Malawi, and whether these patterns can predict how well the kids will recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $91,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03NS124536-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10760235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Malawian children aged 0-11 years who present with febrile coma, particularly those without a confirmed diagnosis of malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have febrile coma or those who are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool to diagnose and predict outcomes in Malawian children suffering from febrile coma, a condition often caused by malaria. By analyzing previously collected data from children with non-malarial coma, the study aims to identify EEG patterns that differentiate between non-malarial and malarial causes of coma. Additionally, it will assess whether specific EEG characteristics can indicate the likelihood of recovery or adverse outcomes for these children. This approach seeks to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient care in resource-limited settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and better prognostic assessments for children with febrile coma, ultimately enhancing their treatment and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown EEG to be a successful prognostic biomarker in pediatric cerebral malaria, indicating potential for success in this similar context.
Where this research is happening
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Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Postels, Douglas — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Postels, Douglas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding coma in cerebral malaria and the brain chemistry behind it
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Understanding Coma in Children with Cerebral Malaria
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Understanding how coma occurs in children with cerebral malaria
This study is looking into how a substance called pipecolic acid might affect the brains of children in a coma due to severe malaria, with the hope of finding new ways to help them recover.
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This observational study will follow adults who are unconscious due to a serious brain illness or injury to see what medical, neurological, psychological, and social factors are linked with recovery over time.
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This observational study tests whether functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) can measure brain activity at the bedside in healthy adults and in patients with disorders of consciousness in the Neuro-ICU.
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.