Investigating the effects of Fontan surgery on heart and liver health in patients with single ventricle conditions.
Official title: Acute Imposition of Fontan Physiology in The Single Ventricle Patient: Effects on Fibrosis, Function and Drug Intervention
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-10676308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Fontan surgery affects the hearts and livers of patients with congenital heart disease, and it’s also testing a medication called spironolactone to see if it can help reduce scarring in these organs after the surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $721,269 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL149139-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10676308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital heart disease who have undergone or are scheduled to undergo the Fontan operation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a single ventricle heart condition or who have not undergone the Fontan operation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients with congenital heart disease who have undergone the Fontan operation, a procedure for those with a single ventricle heart. It aims to understand the early effects of this surgery on heart and liver fibrosis, as well as lymphatic function. By assessing these factors before and shortly after the surgery, the study seeks to identify complications that may arise. Additionally, it includes a pilot trial testing the antifibrotic medication spironolactone to see if it can reduce fibrosis in these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management strategies for patients with single ventricle heart conditions, potentially reducing complications and enhancing quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research in this area, the specific approach of assessing early fibrosis and testing spironolactone in this patient population is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fogel, Mark a — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Fogel, Mark a
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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.