Brain Imaging in Babies Study (BIBS)

King's College London

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: COVID-19; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04443179

IRAS: 108997, REC 12/LO/2017

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aims of the BIBS Study

The Brain Imaging in Babies study (BIBS) aims to improve understanding of how a baby's brain develops from before birth, up until 3-4 years of age. Working with children from a variety of backgrounds and communities, the investigators use a combination of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as MRI scans alongside traditional behavioural assessments to capture the earliest information on infant brain development.

The focus of the BIBS study

MRI scanning is a safe way of producing detailed images using strong magnetic fields and radio waves. It does not use X-ray. Along with learning more about brain development in general, the investigators also try to identify features that may in future help predict whether a child will or will not develop traits of conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Long-term, this may help target useful interventions early on, helping children who are most in need.

Since COVID-19 arrived in the United Kingdom (U.K.) in 2020, the investigators have been given ethical approval to include testing for this infection in the mothers and children participating in the study. This may provide an opportunity to better understand how mother and baby respond to infections. The investigators particularly welcome mothers who have had a positive COVID-19 test during their pregnancy to join the study.

Enrollment: 790 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 16 to 75 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Pregnant mothers with and without confirmed COVID-19
• Infants with and without an immediate family history of Autism Spectrum and neurodevelopmental conditions
• Based in England, UK

Exclusion criteria

• based on further screening

Trial design

790 participants in 2 patient groups

Infants a family history of ASD/ADHD

Infants without a family history of ASD/ADHD