Using light to improve treatment for children with hydrocephalus
Diffuse Optics for Pediatric Hydrocephalus Management
This study is testing a new, gentle way to check for high pressure in the brain and blood flow issues in kids with hydrocephalus, so doctors can make better treatment choices and help prevent serious problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10782461 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new, non-invasive method to detect elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral ischemia in children with hydrocephalus. By utilizing diffuse optical techniques, the study aims to gather continuous, real-time data on cerebral blood flow and oxygen levels at the bedside, which can help in making better treatment decisions. The goal is to identify risk factors for elevated ICP and improve the timing of interventions, potentially preventing brain damage. This approach seeks to enhance the management of hydrocephalus in pediatric patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with hydrocephalus.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have hydrocephalus or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate interventions for children with hydrocephalus, reducing the risk of brain damage.
How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using non-invasive monitoring techniques have shown promise in other areas of pediatric care, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Wesley — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Baker, Wesley
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.