Investigating the role of diet and gut bacteria in improving outcomes for children with severe lung conditions.

Microbiome and Nutrition in Severe PARDS

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11072336

This study is looking at how giving kids with severe lung problems early nutrition through their feeding tubes might help them get better and live longer by improving their gut health and reducing lung inflammation.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11072336 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how early enteral nutrition (EEN) can improve survival rates in children suffering from Severe Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (PARDS). It explores the relationship between diet, gut microbiome, and lung health, hypothesizing that EEN enhances beneficial gut bacteria that produce butyrate, which may reduce lung inflammation. The study will be conducted alongside a larger clinical trial, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of how these dietary interventions can impact critically ill children. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 who are critically ill and diagnosed with severe PARDS.

Not a fit: Patients with mild respiratory conditions or those not requiring enteral nutrition may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved survival rates and recovery for children with severe PARDS through dietary interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results linking early enteral nutrition to improved outcomes in critically ill children, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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 2026-06-10 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.