Effects of azithromycin given during cesarean delivery on children's lung and gut health.
Official title: Childhood Pulmonary and Related Outcomes after Perinatal Exposure to Adjunctive Azithromycin Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery (C/SOAP Follow-Up Study)
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10910978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how giving a common antibiotic called azithromycin to moms during C-sections might affect their children's lung and gut health as they grow up, comparing those kids to others who didn't get the antibiotic, to see if there are any long-term benefits or downsides.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | January 20, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $629,182 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD098132-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years who were born via cesarean delivery and whose mothers received azithromycin during the procedure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not born via cesarean delivery or who did not receive azithromycin during birth may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of azithromycin, an antibiotic given to mothers during cesarean deliveries, on the lung and gastrointestinal health of their children. It compares outcomes in children who were exposed to azithromycin with those who received a placebo, focusing on potential changes in the gut microbiome and related health issues such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. The study aims to understand whether the benefits of reducing maternal infections outweigh any negative impacts on children's health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for antibiotic use during cesarean deliveries, potentially enhancing the long-term health of children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the benefits of azithromycin in reducing maternal infections, but the long-term effects on children's health are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subramaniam, Akila — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Subramaniam, Akila
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Ketamine to reduce postpartum depression and pain after cesarean delivery
This grant explores a ketamine approach to help new mothers after cesarean delivery feel better sooner and with less pain.
-
Preventing Mood and Anxiety Problems After Cesarean Delivery
A low-cost, one-hour intervention given to pregnant patients having a cesarean delivery to help reduce mood, anxiety, and trauma symptoms later on.
-
Calcium given during cesarean to reduce severe bleeding
A simple, patient-friendly trial will test whether giving calcium through an IV at cesarean delivery can lower the risk of heavy bleeding after birth for mothers.
-
Adding azithromycin before a planned cesarean to lower infection risk
Giving azithromycin along with the usual antibiotic to people having a scheduled C-section to lower the chance of infections after delivery.
-
Using ketamine to help mothers with depression and pain after cesarean delivery
This study is looking at how ketamine can help new moms feel better by reducing postpartum depression and pain after a cesarean delivery, and it aims to find the best dose to improve their mood and manage pain safely.
-
Investigating the long-term effects of azithromycin on childhood obesity and neurodevelopment after cesarean delivery
This study is looking at how giving the antibiotic azithromycin to mothers during childbirth affects their children's growth and brain development, especially for those born by cesarean section, and it compares these kids to others who didn't get the antibiotic to see if there are any long-term effects.
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.