Current Projects

TORCH - Trauma Outcomes Registry at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

This project aims to correlate the initial levels and trajectory of blood-based biomarkers within weeks of TBI-onset with the severity of brain injury in pediatric patients. We also aim to test the predictive value of blood-based biomarkers on the functional outcomes within 12 months after pediatric TBI. This study involves the creation of a widely accessible, comprehensive Trauma Outcomes Registry or Biorepository at CHOA which integrates clinical, imaging, proteomic, genomic, and outcome biomarkers from subjects across the age and injury spectra and provides analytic tools and resources to support current and future TBI research.

Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI, Pediatrics

We are collaborating with Track-TBI as one of their primary pediatric enrolling sites. Please see Track-TBI website for additional information. Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI | TRACK-TBI

Global Neuro-Infections Outcome Study (GNIOS)

This project is an international multi-centre evaluation of surgical care and clinical outcomes for patients with central nervous system infections. We are one of many sites across the world collecting data on these patients. The primary objective is to describe the profile of patients presenting with CNS infections who require neurosurgical management across a wide range of geographic and socio-economic environments (including patient demographics, baseline clinical characteristics, indications for surgery, surgical procedure, radiology, and microbiological diagnosis).

Osteopontin as a Blood Biomarker in Severe Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

Current TBI management relies on initial radiographic imaging and neurological examinations without the assistance of simple laboratory tests to monitor the progression of brain injury or guide medical and surgical interventions. Blood-based biomarkers that correlate with the severity and progression of TBI , would enable appropriate triage in acute treatment, early intervention of complications, and follow-up rehabilitation plan. This project aims to do the following: 1) To correlate the initial and trajectory of plasma OPN, GFAP, UCH-L1 levels within 72 hours of TBI-onset with the severity and development of brain injury in pediatric patients and 2) To test the predictive value of plasma OPN for the functional outcomes at 6 months after severe pediatric TBI.

An Investigation of Pediatric Brain and Spinal Gunshot Wounds

This retrospective chart review study hopes to obtain clinical, laboratory and radiographic data to identify predictors of favorable clinical outcome in the pediatric intracranial and spinal gunshot wound population. We also aim to identify predictive clinical and radiographic data, epidemiologic trends and other data that would allow better management moving forward with pediatric brain and spinal gunshot wound treatment.

Osteopontin as a Blood Biomarker for Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

The current study is designed to collect preliminary data characterizing the association between concentrations of OPN in the blood and outcomes in neonates with HIE. Identification of biomarkers of brain injury in neonates will have several important future clinical applications: 1) to stratify patients by the severity of their HIE; 2) to better monitor the progression of brain injury-induced pathology and recovery; 3) to monitor the effects of therapy/intervention; and 4) to predict outcome more accurately after HIE. Our primary aims are as following: 1) Identify and address roadblocks to studying novel biomarkers in neonates with encephalopathy undergoing therapeutic hypothermia and 2) evaluate OPN in the pilot cohort as a potential blood biomarker for identifying brain injury and detecting infants that need adjuvant neuroprotective therapies.

Saliva Biomarkers for Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

This project is based on recent research indicating the need for saliva biomarkers to quickly and objectively diagnose concussions. The main goal is to identify specific saliva biomarkers linked to pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) through RNA analysis and mass spectrometry technology. We will include patients with mTBI who have experienced a mild head injury, collecting saliva samples when they arrive at the emergency department. The primary objectives are: 1) Identify miRNA biomarkers that can differentiate between healthy children and those with mild TBI, 2) Use mass spectrometry to discover additional salivary biomarkers for accurately diagnosing pediatric mild TBI, and 3) monitor symptoms burden and recovery over time (1 week and 4 weeks following injury) and determine whether specific miRNA profiles predict protracted recovery.