Preventing anal sphincter dysfunction after childbirth injuries
Official title: Multimodal Interventions to Prevent Anal Sphincter Dysfunction After Childbirth-Related Neuromuscular Injury
Funded at Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego · NIH-10810599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to help women recover from problems with their anal muscles after giving birth, using a special treatment to help nerves and muscles heal better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $215,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD110776-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10810599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced childbirth-related injuries leading to anal sphincter dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced childbirth or those with anal sphincter dysfunction due to non-childbirth-related causes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to prevent anal sphincter dysfunction, a common issue for women after childbirth, by exploring innovative therapies. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind nerve and muscle damage during childbirth and aims to develop treatments that promote healing and recovery. Using a rabbit model, the study will test a new formulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a targeted delivery system to enhance nerve regrowth and muscle function. The goal is to find effective multimodal interventions that can be translated into clinical practice for affected women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of fecal incontinence in women following childbirth.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, similar studies have shown promise in using neurotrophic factors for nerve regeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajasekaran, Mahadevan Raj — Veterans Medical Research Fdn/san Diego
- Study coordinator: Rajasekaran, Mahadevan Raj
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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.