Improving blood transfusions for patients with septic shock
Official title: A Learning Health System Approach to Improve the Effectiveness of Blood Transfusions during Septic Shock
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10865638 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make blood transfusions work better for patients with septic shock, especially those who also have anemia, by figuring out if we should only look at hemoglobin levels or if we should consider other health signs too.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $172,152 |
| NIH project number | 1K23HL173709-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865638 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with septic shock who have low hemoglobin levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have septic shock or those whose anemia is unrelated to this condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the effectiveness of blood transfusions in patients experiencing septic shock, a severe condition often linked to infection. It aims to determine whether blood transfusions should be based solely on hemoglobin levels or if additional clinical criteria should be considered. By utilizing a Learning Health System approach, the study will benchmark current transfusion practices and gather data to inform better treatment guidelines. Patients with septic shock who develop anemia will be the focus of this investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective blood transfusion practices, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with septic shock.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that standard transfusion practices may be harmful, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bosch, Nicholas a — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Bosch, Nicholas a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Pragmatic midodrine trial to reduce ICU vasopressor use in septic shock
A practical, patient-focused trial tests whether taking oral midodrine can lessen the need for IV vasopressors and shorten ICU stays for people with sepsis-related low blood pressure.
-
Personalized vasopressor therapy for septic shock
A clinician-scientist at Cleveland Clinic aims to tailor vasopressor treatment for septic shock patients using patient-specific factors.
-
Angiotensin-based treatment strategy in septic shock
A clinical trial will compare giving Angiotensin II versus standard norepinephrine to support blood pressure in septic shock patients, aiming to improve outcomes.
-
Percutaneous stellate ganglion stimulation to support blood pressure in septic shock
A small, portable neuromodulation device would be tested to help people with septic shock maintain blood pressure while doctors adjust medicines.
-
Macrophage metabolism and septic shock in humans
A study at Boston Children’s Hospital will explore how immune cells’ metabolism affects severe infection (septic shock) and whether targeting this metabolic pathway could help patients.
-
Blood transfusions and organ failure in children with septic shock
This project looks at how a child’s circulation, immune status, and the type of red blood cells given affect recovery and organ problems during septic shock in young children.
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.