Environmental enteric dysfunction and anemia in young children with gut infections
Official title: The role of environmental enteric dysfunction in drug absorption and the pathogenesis of anemia among young children with pathogens affecting the gut
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11394321 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in young children with gut parasites will look at how gut problems may affect drug absorption and cause anemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $351,440 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM156688-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394321 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children under 4 with schistosomiasis who participated in the referenced clinical trial and whose data are available for pharmacokinetic and biomarker analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Children without schistosomiasis or those outside the age range may not benefit from this specific analysis.
What this research studies
This project uses data from a large trial of praziquantel in children under 4 with schistosomiasis to explore whether environmental enteric dysfunction changes how the drug is absorbed and contributes to anemia. Researchers will analyze pharmacokinetic measurements, iron status, and gut inflammation biomarkers to understand the connection between gut health, drug exposure, and anemia. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could improve dosing and reduce anemia in affected children in low-resource settings. Results could inform better treatment strategies for young children with gut infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to optimized praziquantel dosing and reduced anemia in children with schistosomiasis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked gut health to drug absorption and anemia, but this study applies this to young children with schistosomiasis and EED, a relatively novel focus.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barry, Meagan Amelia — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Barry, Meagan Amelia
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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.