Using MRI to improve treatment for infants with cleft palate
Using MRI to Facilitate Precision Medicine for Infants with Cleft Palate
This study is looking at how MRI scans can help doctors choose the best treatments for babies with cleft palate by understanding their throat structure before surgery, so they can improve speech development as the babies grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wyoming NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Laramie, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10878089 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how MRI can help tailor medical treatments for infants with cleft palate, a common birth defect. By analyzing the anatomical features of the velopharynx before surgical repair, the study aims to predict which infants will benefit most from specific surgical interventions. The research will follow 30 infants from pre-operative assessments at 10 months through their speech development at 16 months, providing insights into the relationship between anatomy and speech outcomes. This approach seeks to enhance the timing and effectiveness of treatments for better speech production.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with cleft palate who are scheduled for surgical repair.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of cleft palate or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective surgical and therapeutic interventions for infants with cleft palate, improving their speech development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that anatomical assessments can inform treatment decisions in similar populations, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Laramie, United States
- University of Wyoming — Laramie, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kotlarek, Katelyn Joy — University of Wyoming
- Study coordinator: Kotlarek, Katelyn Joy
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.