Using ultrasound to see brain injuries in newborns
Official title: Quantitative Ultrasound Imaging of the Neonatal Brain
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10789695 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a safe and gentle ultrasound method to help doctors see brain injuries in newborns under 4 weeks old, so they can better understand the baby's brain health without any invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $218,265 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD114041-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10789695 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants aged 0-4 weeks who are at risk for brain injuries due to conditions like hypoxia, trauma, or exposure to anesthetics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 4 weeks or those without any risk factors for brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive ultrasound technique to visualize brain injuries in infants, particularly those under 4 weeks old. The approach utilizes quantitative ultrasound imaging to detect changes in brain tissue that indicate cell death, which can occur due to various factors like hypoxia or exposure to anesthetics. By analyzing the acoustic properties of brain tissue, the researchers aim to create a method that can be performed safely and repeatedly at the bedside, providing critical information about the infant's brain health. The study builds on previous findings in non-human primates and seeks to translate these techniques for use in human infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of brain injuries in newborns, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using quantitative ultrasound techniques to detect cell death in other contexts, suggesting potential for similar applications in neonatal care.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ikonomidou, Hrissanthi — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Ikonomidou, Hrissanthi
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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.