Identifying leaky gut in premature infants using stool samples
Official title: Mucosal immune biomarkers to detect neonatal leaky gut
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10816562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to spot 'leaky gut' in premature babies by checking their stool samples for certain markers, which could help doctors find out who might be at risk for a serious condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) before any symptoms show up, making it easier to keep these little ones healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $193,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD111907-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10816562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants born before 33 weeks of gestation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are full-term infants or those who do not exhibit signs of leaky gut may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to detect 'leaky gut' in premature infants, a condition that can lead to a serious gastrointestinal emergency called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). By analyzing immune biomarkers found in stool samples, the study aims to identify infants at risk for NEC before symptoms develop. The approach involves using existing samples from a cohort of preterm infants, examining their gut microbiome and intestinal permeability. This non-invasive method could help healthcare providers monitor and manage the health of vulnerable newborns more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of at-risk infants, potentially reducing the severity and mortality associated with necrotizing enterocolitis.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research approaches have shown promise in identifying biomarkers for various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel method.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ma, Bing — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Ma, Bing
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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.