Investigating liver diseases and their impact on pregnancy complications

Liver Diseases and Pregnancy Complications

NIH-funded research University of Rhode Island · NIH-11043433

This study is looking at how certain liver conditions during pregnancy, like intrahepatic cholestasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, can impact the health of both moms and babies, and it hopes to find ways to help improve outcomes for pregnant women facing these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rhode Island NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kingston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11043433 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how liver diseases, particularly intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affect pregnancy outcomes. It aims to identify the mechanisms linking elevated bile acid levels to complications such as preterm birth and stillbirth in pregnant women. By analyzing data from a large cohort of pregnant women, the study seeks to uncover potential interventions to improve maternal and infant health. The research will involve both clinical assessments and laboratory analyses to explore bile acid metabolism during pregnancy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women diagnosed with liver diseases such as ICP or NAFLD.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without liver diseases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management strategies for pregnant women with liver diseases, potentially reducing the risk of severe complications for both mothers and infants.

How similar studies have performed: While liver diseases during pregnancy are under-researched, preliminary studies have indicated a correlation between bile acid levels and pregnancy complications, suggesting potential for impactful findings.

Where this research is happening

Kingston, 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.