VASCFIND Study - Vascular Changes Following Infectious Disease

Project status: Active

Research area: Infection, Immunity and Global Health > Inflammatory Origins

Understanding the link between childhood infections and cardiovascular health.

Our research team is investigating how infections and inflammation in childhood affect the arteries and influence future heart health. We aim to understand whether infections in otherwise healthy children impact other body systems, both immediately and in the months following recovery.

The challenge

Cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, is often seen as an adult health issue. However, the underlying cause, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), begins in childhood.

Atherosclerosis develops over decades, partly due to chronic inflammation that damages artery walls. Common childhood infections may contribute to this inflammation, potentially increasing the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease.

Our research focus

The VASCFIND study explores how acute infections affect vascular health in school-aged children. For the first time, we are examining changes in both large and small arteries after severe infection, and assessing whether there are shifts in blood markers, such as cholesterol levels and chemicals related to inflammation.

Our goal is to uncover early signs of cardiovascular risk and identify opportunities for early prevention.

Participant information

Children aged five to 18 years old who are admitted to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) with a diagnosed infection will be invited to participate in three study visits over six months:

Visit 1: two weeks post-infection
Visit 2: two months post-infection
Visit 3: six months post-infection

Each visit lasts no more than 90 minutes.

What happens during each visit?

We’ll conduct a series of non-invasive assessments across multiple body systems, including:

Ultrasound scans of blood vessels in the neck and abdomen
Blood pressure measurement
Retinal imaging (photos of the back of the eye)
Body composition and grip strength testing (a measure of physical fitness)
Hearing screening

These procedures are painless and well-tolerated by preschool-aged children.

We’ll also collect blood and urine samples to analyse markers of inflammation and cardiovascular health.

Why this study matters

By understanding how childhood infections influence vascular health, we can uncover the early origins of cardiovascular disease and pave the way for preventive strategies that start in childhood.

Join the VASCFIND Consumer Advisory Committee

If your child has participated in the VASCFIND study and you would like to be involved by providing feedback, contributing to VASCFIND's research priorities, and communicate the findings to consumers and community, please consider joining the VASCFIND Consumer Advisory Group via the contact information below.