Brain Health in Gen2020 (V1.0)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Brain Health In Generation 2020: the impact of prenatal exposure to maternal inflammation on brain development and childhood outcomes.
IRAS ID
341439
Contact name
Bashir M. Al-Hashimi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Prenatal exposures such as a mother's infection, can alter fetal brain development and increase the likelihood of some, but not all, children having difficulties such as autism, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning difficulties and other neurological and psychiatric conditions. The aim of this study is to better understand the brain development and childhood outcomes of children who were in the womb during the COVID-19 pandemic; will focus on the possible biological and psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s well-being. Given the enormous effect the pandemic has had on people of all ages, including pregnant women and infants, we are interested in following up on children who were born during the pandemic and observing how their brains work, as well as how they interact with their environment and learn. We hope that by understanding if some children born during the COVID-19 pandemic are experiencing any difficulties in cognitive, emotional, and social aspects, we can investigate the mechanisms involved in these changes and help those with a greater likelihood of experiencing any of these difficulties. Specifically, knowing where to direct prevention and intervention strategies to optimize brain and mental health in children. The results of this study will also inform our preparedness for future pandemics. The source of funding for this study is ‘Heart of Racing LLC’.
The study will invite children between the ages of 4-6 who were in utero from 2020 onwards to participate. Participation will include on-site data collection at Denmark Hill on KCL, SlaMs and KCH facilities. King’s College London and NHS Trust facilities at; MRI brain scan, electroencephalography (EEG), electroretinogram (ERG), eye-tracking, neurocognitive assessments and biosample collection (blood and/or hair); We will investigate how the immune system of children in the womb during the pandemic has been (or not been) altered and how these brain, behaviour and immune system profiles might depend upon a child's background and genetics. Some participants will be invited for a second MRI scan at St Thomas’ Hospital. Parents will be asked to complete a study-specific questionnaire including demographics, medical and mental health family history, perinatal history, life events and COVID-19 impact information. Parents will also be asked to complete a number of validated questionnaires on their child's development and mental health. These can be completed on-site or online. An optional part of the study includes monitoring the child’s and mother’s sleep quality, by wearing actigraphy watches at home for a short period. Data collection will last for six years.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0824
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion