Using MRI to identify brain injury in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
Official title: Consortium Of MRI Biomarkers In Neonatal Encephalopathy (COMBINE)
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11134770 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to check for brain injuries in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) so that doctors can spot problems earlier and find the best treatments for these babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $878,936 |
| NIH project number | 4R33NS126792-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134770 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns diagnosed with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy within the first few days of life.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than four weeks or do not have a diagnosis of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the assessment of brain injuries in newborns suffering from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a condition affecting approximately 5 in 1000 infants. The study aims to establish reliable MRI biomarkers that can predict adverse outcomes in these infants much earlier than the current standard, which assesses outcomes at 18-22 months. By utilizing advanced neuroradiological scoring techniques, the research seeks to enhance the accuracy of identifying brain injuries and potentially guide more effective treatments. The goal is to expedite the development of new therapies by providing timely assessments of brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate identification of brain injuries in newborns, improving treatment outcomes and reducing long-term disabilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using MRI biomarkers for assessing brain injuries, but this specific approach is novel and aims to refine the methodology further.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grant, Patricia Ellen — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Grant, Patricia Ellen
Related research
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-
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This study looks at how high blood sugar levels can impact the brains of newborns with a condition called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and it aims to help parents understand how these early sugar levels might affect their child's development as they grow.
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-
Neonatal Neurological Observation With Video AI
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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.