Investigating how glucocorticoids affect outcomes in critically ill patients
Official title: Glucocorticoids in short- and long-term critical illness outcomes
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11121086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of steroid hormone called glucocorticoids can help improve recovery for people who have been very sick, especially focusing on how it affects their mental health and memory after sepsis, so we can make this treatment work better for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $390,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM154671-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11121086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients who have survived sepsis or are experiencing critical illness requiring glucocorticoid treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-critical illnesses or those not receiving glucocorticoid therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how glucocorticoids, a type of steroid hormone, can improve outcomes for patients suffering from critical illnesses. The study will explore the biological mechanisms behind glucocorticoid treatment, particularly its effects on mental health and memory in sepsis survivors. Researchers will also investigate how glucocorticoid signaling in the brainstem influences cardiovascular and immune responses during critical health challenges. By addressing these areas, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of glucocorticoid therapy in critically ill patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and better mental health outcomes for critically ill patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the use of glucocorticoids in critical illness, indicating that this approach has potential for significant impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spencer-Segal, Joanna Louise — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Spencer-Segal, Joanna Louise
Related research
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Glucocorticoids and critical illness outcomes in ICU patients
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Heme-Driven Immune Dysregulation in Critical Illness
Researchers are studying how free heme from red blood cell breakdown affects the immune system in people with sepsis or chronic blood disorders, with the aim of guiding better treatments.
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.