Comparing blood transfusion thresholds for older patients with heart conditions
Official title: Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis of Red Blood Cell Transfusion Trials Comparing Liberal versus Restrictive Thresholds
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10981401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether giving older patients with heart problems a lower amount of blood during transfusions is just as safe and effective as giving them a higher amount, so we can better understand the best approach for their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $693,262 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL171977-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults (65 years and older) with cardiovascular diseases who may require blood transfusions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the safety and effectiveness of different blood transfusion thresholds in older patients, particularly those with cardiovascular diseases. By analyzing individual patient data from various clinical trials, the study aims to determine whether a lower transfusion threshold (7 to 8 g/dL) is as safe as a higher threshold (9 to 10 g/dL) for these patients. The research will focus on specific subgroups, such as those with acute myocardial infarction, to better understand the impact of transfusion strategies. The methodology involves a comprehensive meta-analysis that combines data from multiple trials to provide more detailed insights into patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved blood transfusion practices that enhance safety and outcomes for older patients with cardiovascular conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in evaluating transfusion thresholds, but this specific approach using individual patient data meta-analysis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carson, Jeffrey Lee — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Carson, Jeffrey Lee
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.