Using heart rate data to assess withdrawal symptoms in newborns
Official title: POWS for NOWS: Using physiomarkers as an objective tool for assessing the withdrawing infant
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10740629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool to help doctors better understand and monitor withdrawal symptoms in newborns who are going through Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome, using heart rate and oxygen levels to provide real-time updates on their condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $3,149,700 |
| NIH project number | 1R18EB035019-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10740629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are term infants experiencing Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not newborns or those not affected by opioid withdrawal will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the assessment of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) in newborns by developing an objective tool that utilizes heart rate and oxygenation data. The study aims to create a Pulse Oximetry Withdrawal Score (POWS) that can provide real-time monitoring of withdrawal symptoms, addressing the current reliance on subjective evaluations. By analyzing continuous pulse oximetry data, the research seeks to establish a reliable method for predicting and managing withdrawal symptoms, ultimately enhancing care in neonatal intensive care units.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and timely assessments of withdrawal symptoms in newborns, improving their treatment and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results from similar approaches using pulse oximetry data analytics have shown promise in detecting withdrawal symptoms, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, Brynne Archer — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, Brynne Archer
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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.