NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Role of blood flow mechanics and transfusion in sepsis-related tiny-cl vessel clots

Official title: The Role of Rheology and Transfusion on Microvascular Thrombosis in Sepsis

Funded at Emory University · NIH-11629726 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A patient-focused look at how red blood cell flow and transfusions might influence tiny blood vessel clots and organ problems in sepsis.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project startSeptember 12, 2025
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$69,999
NIH project number3K38HL181374-02S1
Project IDNIH-11629726 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with sepsis or ICU admission where microvascular issues and clotting are concerns; future trials would focus on those with suspected endothelial injury and coagulopathy.

Less likely to help

Patients without sepsis or microvascular complications may not benefit from this line of investigation.

What this research studies

This grant explores how the physical properties of blood in the smallest vessels affect organ function during sepsis. Researchers will use microfluidic tests to study how red blood cell clumping and cell membrane flexibility influence the endothelial cells that line blood vessels, and how this relates to clotting and tissue injury. The project also considers whether adjusting blood properties through transfusion could improve perfusion and reduce clot formation in septic patients. The aim is to identify markers and interventions that could guide future therapies for those in the ICU with sepsis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new ways to prevent organ failure in septic patients by guiding transfusion practices and therapies that improve microvascular flow.

How similar studies have gone: Earlier work suggests microvascular flow and cell interactions influence outcomes in sepsis, with some promising links between rheology and endothelial function.

Where this research is happening

  • Emory University
    Atlanta, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Iffrig, Elizabeth M — Emory University
  • Study coordinator: Iffrig, Elizabeth M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.