Research

Detecting Intracranial Hemorrhage

Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy to Help Detect Intracranial Hemorrhage in Children

Protocol Description

This study will show whether it is possible to tell if a child has an intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) using a simple tool called Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS is a non-invasive device that uses light absorption to determine if blood is present in or around the brain. It is portable and has the potential to be used at the bedside. This is in contrast to the traditional method of using a CT scan, a technique that requires transport out of an intensive care unit.

Eligibility Criteria

Children of both genders through the age of 14 who have been admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, inpatient pediatric floor or the Emergency Department, and who have already received a head CT scan as part of their care will be considered for this study.
Boys: Through age 14
Girls: Through age 14

Requirements
Along with other test procedures while the patient is in the hospital, researchers will take readings from the NIRS to see if it agrees with findings on the head CT. Investigators will take two sets of initial measurements. For patients in which the CT scan indicated evidence of bleeding, NIRS measurements will be repeated for up to 5 days.
Visits: Occurs during hospitalization
Duration: Up to 5 days

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source of Support
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute