Blood transfusions and organ failure in children with septic shock

Transfusion and Organ Dysfunction in Pediatric Septic Shock (TROPICS) study

['FUNDING_R01'] · RESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP · NIH-11264949

This project looks at how a child’s circulation, immune status, and the type of red blood cells given affect recovery and organ problems during septic shock in young children.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorRESEARCH INST NATIONWIDE CHILDREN'S HOSP (nih funded)
Locations1 site (COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11264949 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

If your child is admitted to the pediatric ICU with septic shock, the team will collect clinical vital-sign and hemodynamic data, immune tests, and samples from the blood units given. They will measure features of the donated red blood cells (how they were collected, stored, and what soluble substances they contain) and link those to organ function after transfusion. The researchers will combine these physiologic and blood-product factors to build decision-support tools that aim to identify which children are likely to benefit or be harmed by a transfusion. The work uses bedside monitoring, blood sampling, and clinical record data from children who receive transfusions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children (infants through about 11 years old) in the pediatric ICU with septic shock who are being considered for or receive red blood cell transfusions.

Not a fit: Children without septic shock, adults, or children who never need a blood transfusion would not be candidates and likely would not benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors personalize transfusion decisions to reduce harm and improve organ recovery in children with septic shock.

How similar studies have performed: Prior trials that used hemoglobin levels alone to guide transfusions had mixed or harmful results, so this physiologic and blood-product–based approach is newer, supported by preliminary data, but not yet proven.

Where this research is happening

COLUMBUS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.