Investigating how anemia in newborns affects gut health during blood transfusions

Liver-Gut Axis in Neonatal Anemia and Its Role in RBC Transfusion Associated Gut Injury

NIH-funded research University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11031426

This study is looking at how anemia in premature babies might affect their gut health during blood transfusions, with the goal of finding better ways to keep these little ones safe and healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project IDNIH-11031426 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the relationship between anemia in preterm infants and gut health, particularly during red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. It examines how anemia can lead to changes in immune responses in the liver, which may contribute to gut injuries such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The study utilizes a pre-clinical murine model to explore the behavior of specific immune cells in response to anemia and transfusion, aiming to identify mechanisms that could lead to better management of these risks in newborns. By analyzing the immune response and its effects on gut health, the research seeks to improve outcomes for infants requiring transfusions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants diagnosed with anemia who may require red blood cell transfusions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm or do not have anemia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety and health outcomes for preterm infants undergoing blood transfusions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a connection between anemia and gut health in infants, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Omaha, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.