Investigating brain injury risks during ECMO treatment
Official title: DELTA ECMO ABI study (Assessing Acute Brain Injury after Rapid Reduction of PaCO2 upon ECMO Cannulation using Portable MRI and Biomarkers)
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10953908 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in carbon dioxide levels during a special heart and lung treatment called ECMO might affect brain health, so we can better understand and protect patients who might be at risk for brain injury during their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $245,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135045-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953908 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are undergoing ECMO treatment for severe heart and lung failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing ECMO or those with pre-existing severe neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the causes of acute brain injury (ABI) that can occur during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), a critical therapy for patients with severe heart and lung failure. The study will examine how rapid changes in carbon dioxide levels during ECMO initiation may affect brain blood flow and oxygen delivery. By using portable MRI and biomarkers, researchers aim to gather data on the physiological changes that happen in the first 24 hours of ECMO treatment. This could help identify patients at risk for ABI and improve treatment protocols.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management strategies for patients undergoing ECMO, potentially reducing the incidence of brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential risks associated with ECMO, but this specific investigation into the rapid changes in carbon dioxide levels and their effects on brain injury is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Sung-Min — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cho, Sung-Min
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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Using EEG to guide seizure medicines after stroke or head injury
This project looks at whether using bedside EEG brain monitoring to guide anti-seizure medicines for people with recent stroke or traumatic brain injury can prevent harmful brain activity while cutting down medicine side effects.
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Understanding Brain Injury During ECMO Treatment
This research looks at why some people develop brain injury when they receive life-saving ECMO support for severe heart and lung failure.
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Helping patients with acute brain injuries and their caregivers build resilience together
This study is for patients who have had a brain injury, like a stroke, and their caregivers, and it offers a friendly program called 'Recovering Together' to help them cope with stress and support each other while they heal in the hospital.
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.