Role of blood flow properties and transfusion on tiny vessel clots in sepsis
Official title: The Role of Rheology and Transfusion on Microvascular Thrombosis in Sepsis
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11415830 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how the behavior of blood in small vessels and the effect of transfusions might influence clotting and organ failure in people with sepsis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $110,635 |
| NIH project number | 5K38HL181374-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415830 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with sepsis in the ICU who may be considered for transfusion strategies and are at risk for microvascular complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sepsis or those not experiencing microvascular issues may not benefit.
What this research studies
In sepsis, small blood vessels can become sluggish and inflamed, leading to organ problems. The project will study how red blood cell clumping and membrane flexibility affect the lining of blood vessels and the balance of clotting factors. Using advanced microfluidic tests, researchers will see how changes in blood flow properties relate to vessel injury and organ risk. They also plan to explore whether transfusing red blood cells or plasma can modify these microvascular effects to improve perfusion and reduce clotting in sepsis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide transfusion strategies to improve blood flow and reduce organ damage in sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that microvascular rheology is linked to organ outcomes in critical illness, but this exact approach is novel in sepsis.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iffrig, Elizabeth M — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Iffrig, Elizabeth 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.