Exploring how sepsis affects physical disability in older adults
Official title: Understanding pathology of sepsis-induced physical disability for future precision medicine
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11121105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sepsis affects older adults over time, especially in terms of physical abilities, and it wants to find out how things like age, gender, and race can influence recovery, so that we can create more personalized ways to help sepsis survivors stay healthy and active.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $344,608 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151038-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121105 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those who have survived sepsis and are experiencing physical disability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 years old or those who have not experienced sepsis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of sepsis on physical disability, particularly in older adults. It aims to understand how factors like age, sex, and race/ethnicity contribute to the variability in recovery outcomes after sepsis. By examining the role of the gut microbiome and other immunologically active organs, the study seeks to develop tailored interventions that can prevent or mitigate physical decline in sepsis survivors. The approach emphasizes precision medicine, moving away from generic treatments to more personalized strategies based on individual patient characteristics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that significantly improve recovery and quality of life for sepsis survivors.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on sepsis and recovery, this research's focus on precision medicine and the gut microbiome represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mankowski, Robert T — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Mankowski, Robert T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding sepsis-related disability and precision medicine
This NIH grant aims to uncover why some sepsis survivors develop lasting physical disability and how age, sex, race, and gut bacteria influence recovery to guide personalized care.
-
Understanding Kidney Health's Link to Memory and Movement in Older Adults
This project looks at how kidney health might be connected to both memory problems and physical challenges in older adults.
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Investigating how aging biomarkers relate to Alzheimer's disease and physical disability
This study is looking at how certain biological factors related to aging might lead to Alzheimer's disease and physical disabilities in older adults, with the hope of finding ways to prevent these issues and improve health.
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A patient-focused look at how red blood cell flow and transfusions might influence tiny blood vessel clots and organ problems in sepsis.
-
STeroids and enhanced Antibiotics for sepsis in Africa with HIV/TB (STARS)
This grant tests whether adding steroids and stronger antibiotics helps adults with severe sepsis tied to HIV/TB in areas with high TB rates.
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Steroids and better antibiotics for sepsis in people with AIDS in Africa
This study tests whether adding hydrocortisone and stronger antibiotics can improve survival for adults with sepsis who also have AIDS or advanced immune suppression in regions with high TB.
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.