Research

Identifying Brain Injury through Blood Testing

Using a Blood Test and a Clinical Decision Rule to Identify Brain Injury in Infants and Young Children

Protocol Description

This study will help to determine whether brain injury in infants can be detected using a simple blood test and a series of simple questions in the same way that clinicians can detect kidney, heart or liver injuries using such tests. Certain symptoms, such as fussiness, fever, vomiting, may be symptoms of a “silent brain injury,” but are not conclusive. The results of this study may lead to early identification of a brain abnormality/disorder which will allow for effective intervention and treatment in children and infants.

Eligibility Criteria

Children or infants who have had an injury involving the head, or who are being evaluated for a symptom such as fussiness, a possible seizure, fever, vomiting, an increase in head size, or an apparent life-threatening event will be considered for participation.
Boys: Infants less than 1 year old
Girls: Infants less than 1 year old

Requirements
In addition to a brief physical examination and a questionnaire of the patient’s medical history, a CT scan will be performed of the patient’s brain. An additional blood sample will be collected during already-scheduled blood work, and if a spinal tap has been conducted as part of his/her standard medical care, leftover fluid will be studied.
Visits: 1
Duration: 1 day

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source of Support
Pediatric Clinical and Translational Research Center