Cambridge study reveals key findings on children's brain injuries
New research has confirmed that children's brains regulate blood flow differently after an injury compared to adults
A major study has confirmed that children's brains regulate blood flow differently after a traumatic injury compared to adults, paving the way for improved treatment approaches.
The research, conducted across 10 UK hospitals, sought to understand how a child's brain manages its own blood supply following an injury. Paediatric specialists have long relied on data from adult studies, despite recognising that the same methods may not apply to children.
"We have very limited understanding of what happens inside an injured brain, particularly in children," said Dr Shruti Agrawal, a paediatric intensivist and trauma lead at Cambridge University Hospitals. "The way a healthy brain regulates its own blood supply is disrupted after a head injury, and our study aimed to determine whether we could individualise treatment targets for paediatric patients."
The study, named Starship, monitored the relationship between arterial pressure and brain pressure in 135 children. The results confirmed that the way a child's brain regulates blood flow differs from adults, reinforcing the need for child-specific treatment strategies.
"This was a proof-of-principle study to validate our monitoring method," Dr Agrawal said. "We have proven that the equation we use to relate changes in brain function with blood pressure works in children. This will help establish more precise pressure targets for treating paediatric head injuries."
Mia, who suffered a traumatic brain injury at the age of 12, was one of the study participants. Now 18, she reflected on her experience: "I’m very grateful to have taken part in this study. I hope it helps other children who go through what I did."
Her mother, Angela Payne, emphasised the importance of the research: "Mia’s recovery has been incredible, but knowing that her experience could help others is what really matters. This study could change the way brain injuries are treated in children."
The study was supported by Action Medical Research and Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. The final follow-up for participants concluded in April 2024, and researchers hope these findings will lead to more personalised treatments and improved outcomes for children with traumatic brain injuries.