Investigating treatments for children with severe liver failure caused by immune responses

Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Immune Response Network (PALF IRN): Treatment for Immune Mediated Pathophysiology (TRIUMPH)

NIH-funded research Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-11109381

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 typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11109381 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are experiencing acute liver failure due to immune-mediated causes.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Chicago, 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.