Investigating treatments for children with severe liver failure caused by immune responses
Official title: Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Immune Response Network (PALF IRN): Treatment for Immune Mediated Pathophysiology (TRIUMPH)
Funded at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-11109381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new treatments for kids with Pediatric Acute Liver Failure, a serious condition where the liver stops working properly, to see if certain medications can help calm down the immune system and heal the liver, potentially avoiding the need for a liver transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,180,043 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DK127995-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are experiencing acute liver failure due to immune-mediated causes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute liver failure caused by non-immune factors or those outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Pediatric Acute Liver Failure (PALF), a serious condition affecting young children, where the liver fails due to an overactive immune response. The study aims to test immunosuppressive therapies, such as high-dose corticosteroids and equine anti-thymocyte globulin, to reduce harmful inflammation and promote liver healing. By understanding how T lymphocytes contribute to liver injury, the research seeks to develop effective treatments that can prevent the need for liver transplants in affected children. The approach involves clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these therapies in reversing liver damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve recovery outcomes for children with acute liver failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in similar immune-mediated conditions has shown promising results with immunosuppressive therapies, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alonso, Estella M. — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Alonso, Estella M.
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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.