Limiting oxygen after cardiac arrest to protect the brain and heart
Resuscitating the Brain and Heart Following Cardiac Arrest: Targeting Oxygen Toxicity
This project gives lower oxygen to patients right after cardiac arrest to try to reduce oxygen-related damage and help the heart and brain recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11253277 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I were resuscitated after a sudden cardiac arrest, this work would place me on a controlled lower-oxygen breathing mix (about 10% oxygen) for a short window after circulation returns, a treatment called oxygen restriction therapy (O2RT). The team compares that approach to higher oxygen levels and normal air to see which setting leads to better heart and brain function. They track how the body uses oxygen, blood markers of metabolism and cell injury, organ physiology, molecular signals tied to oxygen response, and short-term survival. Early animal results showed less cellular injury and improved recovery with O2RT, and researchers are exploring whether similar benefits could occur in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who have been successfully resuscitated from sudden cardiac arrest and require mechanical ventilation in the immediate hours after return of circulation.
Not a fit: People who did not experience cardiac arrest, who are breathing independently, or for whom reduced oxygen would be unsafe (for example severe chronic lung disease) would likely not benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce organ damage after cardiac arrest and increase the chance of surviving with good brain function.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical (animal) studies reported improved heart and brain recovery and survival with brief controlled low-oxygen therapy, but applying this strategy in humans is relatively novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharp, Willard William — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Sharp, Willard William
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 below.