Fibrinogen and dangerous blood clots in severe COVID-19
Investigating fibrinogen as a pathologic and targetable mediator of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11294170
This project looks at whether lowering very high fibrinogen can improve blood flow and reduce clot-related damage in people with severe COVID-19 or ARDS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11294170 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have severe COVID-19, researchers want to understand why your blood may clot more and harm tiny blood vessels. They will study patient blood samples and lab models to see how high fibrinogen makes red blood cells stick together and injure the vessel lining. The team will test ways to lower fibrinogen levels, including therapeutic plasma exchange, to see if that restores microcirculation. Findings will be used to guide treatments that might help critically ill patients breathe and recover more safely.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized adults with severe COVID-19 or ARDS who show signs of abnormal blood clotting or elevated fibrinogen levels.
Not a fit: People with mild or resolving COVID-19, or without elevated fibrinogen or clotting problems, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce dangerous clotting and improve organ blood flow in critically ill COVID-19 or ARDS patients.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has linked high fibrinogen to thicker blood and clot risk, but targeting fibrinogen directly in COVID-19 (for example with plasma exchange) is relatively new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAIER, CHERYL — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MAIER, CHERYL
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 below.
Conditions: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome