Improving sedation and pain management for critically ill children
Official title: A Learning Health System Approach to Precision Sedation and Analgesia in Critically-Ill Children
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10802191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to give the right amount of medicine to help kids feel less pain and anxiety during tough medical procedures, so they can recover better and stay safe while getting the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $162,172 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HD099331-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10802191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are critically ill children aged 0-11 years who require sedation and analgesia during their treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not critically ill or do not require sedation and analgesia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the administration of sedative and analgesic medications for children in critical care settings. It aims to develop a more precise approach to dosing these medications, which are often used to alleviate pain and anxiety during intensive medical procedures. By analyzing current practices and outcomes, the research seeks to establish better standards that can reduce the risks associated with improper dosing, such as adverse events and long-term developmental issues. The goal is to ensure that children receive the right amount of medication to improve their overall care and recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective pain management strategies for critically ill children, improving their recovery and long-term health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that improving dosing strategies for sedative and analgesic medications can lead to better patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Horvat, Christopher Michael — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Horvat, Christopher Michael
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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.