Finding new ways to diagnose pulmonary arterial hypertension linked to schistosomiasis
Official title: Screening for schistosomiasis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10907771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for a better way to spot pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) caused by schistosomiasis, especially for people in Africa, by using simple tests that don’t require any invasive procedures, so we can help patients get diagnosed and treated earlier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $244,196 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171968-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in regions where schistosomiasis is endemic, particularly in Ethiopia and Zambia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in areas affected by schistosomiasis or those with other forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension unrelated to schistosomiasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop noninvasive diagnostic methods for detecting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with schistosomiasis, a disease prevalent in certain regions of Africa. The study will utilize a dataset called PVDomics to create risk scores based on easily measurable clinical and biomarker predictors, which can be used in low- and middle-income countries. By focusing on noninvasive techniques, the research seeks to improve early detection and treatment options for patients suffering from this serious condition. The project will enroll participants at clinical sites in Ethiopia and Zambia, aiming for 40 enrollees per site each year.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of schistosomiasis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, potentially extending patients' lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing noninvasive diagnostic methods for other forms of pulmonary hypertension, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hilton, Joan F — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Hilton, Joan F
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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.