Brain Injury Biomarkers Study

Brain Injury after Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

Protocol Description

Through this study, researchers hope to better understand the relationship between certain biomarkers and how well a child recovers after cardiac arrest. A biomarker is a biological molecule found in blood and other body fluids and tissues that can be a sign of a normal or abnormal process of a condition or disease. In this study, researchers will analyze biomarkers of brain injury from participants’ blood samples and biomarkers seen on magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI and MRS) and compare them to daily activities and quality of life at 6 months and one year.

Eligibility Criteria

Subject to certain exclusion criteria, this study is enrolling children between the ages of 1 week and 17 years who experienced cardiac arrest, received help with breathing and chest compressions to get a spontaneous heart rate by a health care worker, and remains unconscious in the pediatric/cardiac intensive care unit (PICU/CICU).
Females: Ages 1 week to 17 years
Males: Ages 1 week to 17 years

Requirements

During the study period, blood and urine samples will be taken at specific intervals within the first week, and MRI and MRS scans will be taken between 4 and 7 days after the cardiac arrest. Using telephone or mail questionnaires, researchers will evaluate patient outcome and quality of life at 6 months and 1 year.
Visits: Occurs while patient is in the PICU/CICU
Duration: 12 months for follow-up

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source(s) of Support

Laerdal Foundation
National Institutes of Health

Primary Investigator

Ericka L. Fink, MD

Contact Information

For information, please contact:
Ericka L. Fink, MD
412-692-5164