Identifying factors that predict severe COVID-19 in children
Official title: Severity Predictors Integrating salivary Transcriptomics and proteomics with Multi neural network Intelligence in SARS-CoV2 infection in Children (SPITS MISC)
Funded at Central Michigan University · NIH-10847809 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain markers in saliva can help doctors figure out which kids with COVID-19 might get really sick, so they can get the help they need sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Central Michigan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mount Pleasant, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $735,747 |
| NIH project number | 3R33HD105610-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10847809 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 who have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or are over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain biological markers in saliva can help predict which children infected with SARS-CoV-2 are at risk of developing severe illness, such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C). By analyzing these markers alongside social and clinical health factors, the study aims to create a model that can identify children who may need early intervention. The approach includes collecting saliva samples and using advanced artificial intelligence techniques to analyze the data. The ultimate goal is to improve health outcomes for children affected by COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and treatment for children at risk of severe COVID-19 complications.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biomarkers to predict disease severity in various conditions, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sethuraman, Usha — Central Michigan University
- Study coordinator: Sethuraman, Usha
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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.