UK and Republic of Ireland Neonatal Stroke Surveillance
Research type
Research Study
Full title
British Paediatric Surveillance Study of Neonatal Stroke in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland presenting/diagnosed in babies in the first 90 days of life.
IRAS ID
291069
Contact name
Don Sharkey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 1 months, 31 days
Research summary
The Problem
Neonatal stroke, that is occurring in the first 28 days after birth, is a devastating condition that causes brain injury in babies and often leads to lifelong impairment. Neonatal stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted in babies. Children with this condition may have problems walking, moving their arms or expressing themselves. Some may develop fits throughout childhood.Presently, we have insufficient information about the number of babies with neonatal stroke. Most clinicians will see only a few cases in their career. Therefore, we know little about which babies are most at risk and what problems they will likely face. There is also no agreed guidance on how we should investigate and treat babies with stroke. This is unlike stroke in older children and adults where much more is known.
The Study
The study aims to answer these questions and raise awareness of neonatal stroke amongst clinicians, as it is often under-reported. Clinicians will notify the research team, through the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit, if they care for a baby with stroke. Online questionnaires will be sent to notifying clinicians. This study will provide a current description of neonatal stroke including the associated factors, management and outcomes. This will inform clinicians and policy developers of the burden of neonatal stroke to better allocate resources. By exploring how babies with neonatal stroke present and are cared for, future studies looking at prevention and new treatment options can be better designed. Ultimately, this study could prevent neonatal stroke and improve care for these babies through specialist support and treatment.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/EM/0110
Date of REC Opinion
19 May 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion