How red blood cell transfusions affect brain inflammation and development in anemic newborns
Official title: RBC transfusion exacerbates brain inflammation in anemic murine neonates and causes long term neurodevelopment impairment
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11029304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how blood transfusions for anemic newborns might affect their brain health and development, helping us find ways to reduce any negative effects while treating their anemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | December 18, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $415,832 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD116950-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants or critically ill newborns who require red blood cell transfusions due to severe anemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not newborns or do not require red blood cell transfusions for anemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of red blood cell transfusions on brain inflammation and neurodevelopment in anemic newborns. It focuses on understanding how these transfusions, while necessary for treating severe anemia, may inadvertently lead to brain inflammation and long-term cognitive impairments. The study employs a preclinical murine model to explore the mechanisms linking anemia, transfusions, and neurodevelopmental outcomes, aiming to identify potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate these adverse effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols that minimize brain inflammation and enhance neurodevelopment in anemic newborns receiving transfusions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a connection between red blood cell transfusions and neurodevelopmental impairments, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krishnan, Mohan Kumar — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Krishnan, Mohan Kumar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia to improve outbreak detection
A collaboration to add a malaria-specific digital module to an existing surveillance system in Africa to help detect and respond to outbreaks faster.
-
Cross-sector partnership uses digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia
A US-based team will adapt and test a digital malaria surveillance module in SORMAS to help detect and respond to malaria outbreaks in Ethiopia.
-
Molecular and brain circuits linked to anxiety disorders
A researcher is studying a specific brain circuit to understand what drives anxiety and how it could be treated for people with anxiety disorders.
-
Modulating a brain lipid to reduce injury after newborn brain injury
Aims to test a treatment that changes a brain lipid to lessen damage after a baby’s brain has been deprived of oxygen.
-
Autonomic dysfunction in diabetes and erectile function: brain signals and kidney nerves
A study in diabetic rats explores how brain and kidney nerve signals may contribute to erectile dysfunction in diabetes, with findings that could inform future treatments for men with diabetes who have ED.
-
Multimodal bioelectroceutical approach to bone regeneration in diabetes and aging
A new approach uses electrical signals and tiny drugs inside special scaffolds to help jawbone heal in people with diabetes or aging-related bone problems.
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.