Investigating liver diseases and their impact on pregnancy complications
Official title: Liver Diseases and Pregnancy Complications
Funded at University of Rhode Island · NIH-11043433 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rhode Island NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kingston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $393,664 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139489-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043433 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women diagnosed with liver diseases such as ICP or NAFLD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without liver diseases may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Ruitang — University of Rhode Island
- Study coordinator: Deng, Ruitang
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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.