Pediatric Stroke

Pediatric Stroke Studies

• Describe

  Describe - Coming Soon

• I-ACQUIRE

  Perinatal Arterial Stroke: A Multi-site RCT of Intensive Infant Rehabilitation (I-AQUIRE)

  The UTHealth Pediatric Stroke Program is part of a nation-wide research study named I-ACQUIRE. This study is focused on helping young children who had a stroke when they were born. Specifically, we are trying to help children who had what is called a Perinatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke (PAS). Children who have difficulty moving one side of the body or the other from this type of stroke are potentially candidates.

  In this study, we're testing two different levels of a new kind of therapy (I-ACQUIRE) to see how it helps kids aged 8 to 36 months who had PAS. This study will include 240 children, randomly divided into three groups:

  1. Moderate Dose group: Children in this group will receive the I-ACQUIRE therapy for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks.
  2. High Dose group: Children in this group will receive the I-ACQUIRE therapy for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks.
  3. Usual and Customary group: Children in this group will continue to receive their regular therapy in their community.

  We will carefully track each child's progress from the beginning of the therapy, at the end of 4 weeks, and then 6 months after the therapy. Our goal is to learn more about the best ways to help children who have had a PAS.

  To see study flyer CLICK HERE

  The study is recruiting patients currently. If you are interested in having your child participate in this study or just want more information, feel free to reach out to Samantha Acosta at the email below.

  PI: Stuart Fraser, MD

  Coordinator: Maria Poblete

  Contact: [email protected]

• FOCAS

  The FOCAS study is a critical research project being shared by multiple children’s hospitals in the United States aimed at improving treatment for children who may have a condition called Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy of childhood (FCA). FCA is a disease that can lead to stroke in children when one side of the brain does not receive sufficient blood supply.

  While FCA is not common, it poses a serious risk due to its potential to quickly worsen, causing recurrent or expanding strokes. This study, FOCAS, is designed to determine the most effective treatment strategy.

  The study will involve two groups:

  Group A: Children in this group will receive a medication known as corticosteroids immediately upon suspicion of FCA.

  Group B: Children in this group will receive corticosteroids only if their FCA shows signs of progression.

  To gauge the effectiveness of the treatment, we will use a measure called the FCA Severity Score (FCASS). We will compare the score from the beginning of the study to 1 month later. In addition, we will measure the size of any strokes and assess overall child health outcomes at 6 months.

  The FOCAS study is poised to significantly enhance our understanding and treatment of children with FCA. 

  The study is recruiting patients currently. If you are interested in having your child participate in this study or just want more information, feel free to reach out to Antoinette Bernal-Tent at the email below.

  PI: Stuart Fraser, MD

  Coordinator: Antoinette W. Bernal-Tent

  Contact: [email protected]

• TOPSS

  TOlerability of transcranial direct current stimulation in Pediatric Stroke Survivors

  The TOPSS Study is a research project by the UTHealth Pediatric Stroke Program that's looking at new ways to help kids get better after a stroke. This study is for kids and teenagers who had a stroke when they were at least 1 month old and now have a hard time moving one side of their body.

  In this study, kids will try a new type of treatment for stroke. They'll get regular occupational therapy, which helps them learn to do daily tasks, along with a special treatment called non-invasive neuromodulation, which uses safe and gentle electricity to try to help the brain recover. Kids between 5 and 19 years old who have trouble moving their arm because of a stroke can join this study.

  If your child joins the study, they'll have 5 occupational therapy sessions to try to improve the use of their weak arm, and at the same time they'll also receive the non-invasive neuromodulation treatment. We hope that this might help them use their arm better after having a stroke.

  Dr. Stuart Fraser is in charge of the study, and Melika Abrahams is the research nurse who will help with the study.

  The study is open now and we are recruiting. If you or your child would like to be part of the study, you can email [email protected] or call Melika at 713-500-7164.

  To see study flyer CLICK HERE

  This study is partially funded through the Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology Pilot Grant Program.

• IPSS

  The International Pediatric Stroke Study (IPSS) is the largest childhood stroke registry in the world. UTHealth and Children’s Memorial Hermann are part of this registry, joining a worldwide network of children’s hospitals who share data about pediatric stroke to learn important information to try to help children with stroke.

  Dr. Stuart Fraser is the IPSS leader at UTHealth.

  For more information, please visit the IPSS website:

  https://internationalpediatricstroke.org/ipss-research