We lead an international multicenter study that is evaluating two different strategies for determining when a blood transfusion is needed during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support of the heart and lungs. The optimal strategy may reduce organ dysfunction in these critically ill children and potentially improve their neurodevelopment later in life.
Clinical Research Program
The Clinical Research Program of the Department of Cardiology has developed and contributed to many of the most important advancements in pediatric cardiology. From fetal cardiac intervention to comprehensive care for the many complex cardiovascular conditions affecting children and adults, our program is dedicated to finding the best ways to improve patient outcomes.
Our staff of more than 50 specialists provides resources and assistance to the cardiology department’s research faculty, helping them succeed in the design, funding, and execution of research. With a dedicated scientific director, director of research operations, project managers, statisticians, data managers, and research assistants, our team helps cardiology researchers develop new tools, therapies, and interventions that advance cardiovascular care. Here are some of our current research initiatives:
Limiting blood transfusions to improve neurodevelopment
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Using artificial intelligence (AI) to answer complex questions
Our researchers recognize the value of harnessing AI and data streams to solve complex problems and create effective solutions. For instance, we are developing electrocardiogram- and imaging-based deep learning tools to assign a level of risk for adverse outcomes in patients who have congenital heart disease (CHD). AI is also being used to inform a clinical decision support system that will help wean critically ill children who are recovering from heart surgery from mechanical ventilation in a timely manner. And we are developing a multi-modal AI algorithm to define aspects of the patient-provider relationship that generate a positive mindset for patients with heart disease.
Finding the genetic underpinnings of congenital heart disease
A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Consortium that involves Boston Children’s and six other medical centers aims to find the complete repertoire of genes that are responsible for CHD. Investigators are currently leveraging machine-learning methods applied to electronic health records to conduct genotype-phenotype analyses.
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Analyzing data to predict Fontan patients’ health needs
We lead a global initiative aiming to improve the health of patients with a single-ventricle circulation who are at risk of complications such as cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, and stroke. The FORCE registry uses machine learning to study clinical data collected from regional and international hospitals to predict the needs of Fontan patients and be ahead of the curve in their care.
Hydrogen to minimize brain and kidney injury
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We are leading a trial of a new therapy that could potentially reduce brain and kidney injury that results from cardiac arrest. The Hydrogen-FAST study at Boston Children’s Benderson Family Heart Center is examining the use of small concentrations of hydrogen gas delivered during ECMO support as a way to protect the brain, kidneys, and other organs.
Understanding long-term outcomes of MIS-C
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare complication of COVID-19 that can inflame the heart, lungs, brain, and other organs. In an initiative led by Boston Children’s, we’re working with clinical researchers from other hospitals in the COVID MUSIC study to understand how MIS-C affects children and adults and how it can be best treated.
Tracking possible genetic ties between heart disease and autism
This study aims to discover if there are possible links between CHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Boston Children’s Center for Cardiovascular Genetics sees many children who have both CHD and ASD. These children often had testing that tried to determine a genetic cause for autism, but the testing did not attempt to also find a genetic basis for CHD. The study intends to learn more about the broad but complex genetic mechanisms that are critical to both cardiovascular health and neurodevelopment.