Clinical Research Directory

Intranasal AAV9-PHP.eB Gene Therapy in Cerebral Palsy (CP) & Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

This international study, organized by Healing Hope International, is an observational registry designed to collect real-world data on participants living with chronic hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who receive an emerging intranasal gene therapy based on the AAV9-PHP.eB viral vector. The investigational therapy delivers a panel of 15 restorative genes that support brain repair, reduce inflammation, promote myelination, and improve neural communication. It is administered intranasally in one or three sessions by participating international clinical teams. Because the therapy is already being offered abroad, this registry does not assign treatment but instead follows participants who have received it as part of their existing medical care. The GEN HOPE Study aims to understand how this gene therapy affects movement, cognition, spasticity, and seizure frequency over time. Families and clinicians will share outcomes such as changes in gross motor function (GMFM-66/88), cognitive assessments (Bayley or WISC tests), and quality-of-life measures. Information on safety, laboratory results, MRI findings, and caregiver-reported experiences will also be collected. By combining data from multiple countries, the registry seeks to evaluate whether this novel gene based approach can meaningfully improve daily function and comfort for participants with chronic HIE. Results will guide future clinical trial development and help define safe and effective standards of care for regenerative neurologic therapies.

Investigating Cerebral Oxygenation in the Newborn

The goal of this single centre observational study is to use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring to investigate cerebral oxygenation in two groups of newborn infants who are at high risk of brain injury. The NIRS monitor used in this study will be the Masimo O3 regional oximeter with neonatal sensors. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring uses near-infrared light to measure oxygen levels in the brain tissue (cerebral oxygenation). It provides information about blood flow to the brain and the balance between oxygen supply and demand in the brain tissue. It is non-invasive, safe and used routinely to monitor term and premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study will recruit two groups of infants admitted to the NICU who are at risk of brain injury in the newborn period, namely: * Term and near-term babies who are undergoing cooling treatment (therapeutic hypothermia) for moderate to severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). * Preterm babies who are born extremely prematurely (before 28 weeks of pregnancy). In the term/near-term group, the primary aims of the study are: * To investigate if cerebral oxygenation during and after cooling treatment relates to markers of brain injury detected on detailed brain scans (MRI and MRS scans). * To describe any changes in cerebral oxygenation which occur during and after seizures (fits) in babies undergoing cooling treatment. In the preterm group, the primary aims of the study are: * To investigate if any changes in cerebral oxygenation occurring during skin-to-skin care are different in premature babies with brain injury (bleeding or cysts in the brain seen on ultrasound scan) compared to babies without these changes. * To investigate if cerebral oxygenation at 36 weeks corrected gestational age differs in babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BDP, a chronic lung disease of prematurity) compared to babies without BPD.

The HIEnome Study: Genome Sequencing for Perinatal HIE

Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a rare severe condition in which neonates present with encephalopathy and a clinical history suggestive of prenatal or perinatal hypoxic-ischemic injury. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic conditions are frequently identified in cases of perinatal HIE; however, it is unclear which neonates with this diagnosis warrant genetic testing. This study will offer clinical genome sequencing to neonates with HIE who are undergoing total body cooling (therapeutic hypothermia) and their parents.

Feasibility and Safety of Intranasally Administered Breast Milk in HIE

This is a prospective intervention single center study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of intranasal breast milk in hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathic neonates receiving therapeutic hypothermia.

Chest Physical Therapy on Arterial Blood Gases for Neonates Post Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a dangerous illness that happens when a newborn's brain does not receive adequate oxygen and blood flow, which can result in serious effects such as cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Infant diagnosed with HIE required ventilator support and subsequently developed pneumonia. They experienced respiratory problems and feeding challenges. Chest Physical Therapy is the best modalities to clear chest and improve ventilation.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring in HIE

The aim of the study is to examine whether the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to guide the clinical management of glycaemic control will result into an increased time in the target glucose concentration. To further examine the efficacy of using CGM the following secondary outcomes in the two groups were assessed: mean glucose values, glucose variability within individuals, percentage of time that glucose values are in hyperglycaemic or hypoglycaemic ranges. Randomized controlled trial recruiting neonates (Birth weight \>1.8kg, Gestation\>36 weeks) with moderate or severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) following perinatal asphyxia . Neonates will be randomly assigned (1:1) within 6 hours of birth to receive either the intervention with real-time CGM or standard care for 72 hours.

Role of Citicoline in Treatment of Neonates With Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is an acute or subacute brain injury, due to asphyxia in neonates, leading to mortality and long-term morbidity. Its prevalence varies across regions, with developed countries reporting rates of 1.5 per 1000 live births, while developing nations experience a wider range from 2.3 to 26.5 per 1000 live births. Infants afflicted with moderate HIE face a 10% risk of mortality, with surviving individuals encountering a 30% chance of developing disabilities. The prognosis is graver for severe HIE, with a mortality risk of 60%, and nearly all survivors experiencing some form of disability.

Continuous Versus Bolus Feeding in Neonates With Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is accepted worldwide as a standard of care for infants born at or beyond 36 weeks gestational age with moderate-to-severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). While central nervous system is the most affected organ system , multiorgan dysfunction including renal, pulmonary, cardiac, and/or gastrointestinal (GI) compromise is not infrequent. Although the process of 'cooling' itself is well defined, based on high-quality randomized controlled trials, there are few data to inform the provision of nutrition to infants with HIE during and soon after TH.However, breastfeeding plays a beneficial role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the gut. It may help to reduce systemic inflammatory response and positively regulates the microbiota. In many studies it is stated that enteral feeding during TH appears to be safe and feasible. There is insufficient evidence to choose the type of enteral feeding either bolus or continuous during TH. The present study aimed to compare the impact of different types of enteral feeding in infants with HIE receiving TH.