Blood type A and severe lung failure after sepsis

An ABO Blood Type Defined ARDS Endotype in Sepsis

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11176940

Researchers are looking at whether having blood type A helps explain why some adults with sepsis develop life-threatening lung failure called ARDS.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11176940 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project follows adults with sepsis to see if genetic ABO blood type, especially the A1 subtype, links to higher risk of ARDS. The team measures blood proteins involved in clotting and endothelial injury (like von Willebrand factor and thrombomodulin) and compares levels by blood type. They combine genetic information, plasma measurements, and clinical outcomes from hospitalized patients to define an ARDS endotype tied to blood type. Findings will come from patient samples and medical records collected at participating hospitals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults hospitalized with sepsis who can provide blood samples or have ABO typing available would be the most relevant candidates for this research.

Not a fit: People without sepsis, children, or those not hospitalized for acute illness are unlikely to be eligible or directly helped by this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help identify patients at higher risk for ARDS so clinicians can monitor them more closely and design targeted treatments in the future.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies, including the investigators' own work, have linked blood type A to higher ARDS risk and to clotting-related proteins, but applying this to guide treatment is still new.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.