Heart scarring and fat buildup in women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
Myocardial Fibrosis and Steatosis Burden and Region-Specific Predictors of Progression among ART-treated Women with HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa (The MUTIMA Study)
This project looks at heart scarring and fat in women on HIV treatment in sub‑Saharan Africa to find early signs that lead to heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11387983 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you would get detailed heart imaging using cardiac MRI and spectroscopy to measure scarring (fibrosis) and fat in the heart. We will also collect blood tests and health information like weight, inflammation markers, and reproductive history to see what links to heart changes. The team will follow participants over time to see who develops worsening heart findings. The goal is to identify region-specific factors that predict progression so that higher‑risk women can be identified earlier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adult women living with HIV who are taking antiretroviral therapy and who receive care at participating sites in sub‑Saharan Africa.
Not a fit: People who are not women living with HIV, those not on antiretroviral therapy, or those unable to attend imaging visits in sub‑Saharan Africa are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify women with HIV at higher risk for heart failure earlier so they can get targeted monitoring or prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Imaging studies in other HIV populations have linked heart scarring and fat to poor outcomes, but this specific focus on ART‑treated women in sub‑Saharan Africa is new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Longenecker, Chris Todd — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Longenecker, Chris Todd
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.