Mitochondrial dysfunction and delayed treatment of preterm brain dysmaturation

Every year, about 15 million babies are born too early, as a result many of these preterm babies suffer brain injuries that can cause life-long disabilities. The babies who are born the earliest (before 32 weeks) are especially at risk, with around half of them facing brain and learning problems. Preterm births also have a huge economic impact, with preterm brain injury estimated as >$25 billion annually in the USA alone. So, even small improvements in reducing brain injuries could save a lot of money and help affected families.

Exposure to infection/inflammation after birth is a key contributor to brain injury/disability in preterm babies, but there are no treatments yet to prevent or fix this damage. Part of the problem is that we don’t fully understand the causes of these brain injuries. This study will look at whether deficiencies with brain cell energy production (by mitochondria) might play a role in these infection-related brain injuries, and if treating these problems can reduce brain damage and help the babies’ brains develop better. The goal is to gain new insights into why preterm babies get brain injuries and find ways to improve their long-term brain health.