Investigating how certain medications affect the closure of a vital blood vessel in newborns

Pharmacologic Contributors to Patent Ductus Arteriosus

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10864055

This study is looking at how certain medications given to premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit might affect the closing of a vital blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus, which should close after birth, to help find better ways to treat any problems that arise if it doesn't close properly.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10864055 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how various medications used in neonatal intensive care units may impact the closure of the ductus arteriosus (DA), a crucial blood vessel that should close after birth. The study aims to identify specific drugs that may inadvertently prevent this closure, leading to a condition known as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which can be serious for premature infants. By analyzing the effects of commonly used medications, including antibiotics and antacids, the researchers hope to uncover new insights into the mechanisms behind PDA and develop better treatment strategies. The approach involves both laboratory studies and analysis of patient data to evaluate the pharmacological influences on DA closure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are critically ill preterm infants who are receiving medications in a neonatal intensive care setting.

Not a fit: Patients who are not newborns or those who do not require intensive care for conditions related to ductus arteriosus may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols for preventing patent ductus arteriosus in vulnerable newborns.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have indicated that medications can influence vascular responses in newborns, suggesting potential for impactful findings.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, 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.