Investigating brain injury risks during ECMO treatment
DELTA ECMO ABI study (Assessing Acute Brain Injury after Rapid Reduction of PaCO2 upon ECMO Cannulation using Portable MRI and Biomarkers)
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 ID | NIH-10953908 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are undergoing ECMO treatment for severe heart and lung failure.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing ECMO or those with pre-existing severe neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cho, Sung-Min — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Cho, Sung-Min
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 below.