Investigating how anemia in newborns affects gut health during blood transfusions
Official title: Liver-Gut Axis in Neonatal Anemia and Its Role in RBC Transfusion Associated Gut Injury
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11031426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | March 20, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $416,745 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163043-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants diagnosed with anemia who may require red blood cell transfusions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preterm or do not have anemia may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krishnan, Mohan Kumar — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Krishnan, Mohan Kumar
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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.