Skeletal health after preterm birth in adults
Official title: Skeletal Consequences of Preterm Birth
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11427030 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study why people born prematurely have weaker bones and fractures, starting in infancy and following into adulthood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $706,298 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD122762-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11427030 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who were born preterm (<37 weeks gestation) and who have or are at risk for bone health problems.
✕Less likely to help
Adults born at term or without bone health concerns may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project follows individuals born preterm to understand how calcium and phosphate balance in the body affects bone strength over the first year of life and beyond. It uses a noninvasive urine, blood, and stool test to measure calcium isotope patterns and compare preterm and full-term infants. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that lead to metabolic bone disease of prematurity and identify potential early interventions to improve bone health as these individuals grow into adulthood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to better prevention and treatment of bone disease in people born preterm, reducing fracture risk later in life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows a higher risk of bone problems in those born preterm, and this study builds on established observations with new noninvasive measurements.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sumner, D Rick — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Sumner, D Rick
Related research
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Xylitol for Pregnancy Health and Baby Outcomes
A safe, affordable gum-based treatment using xylitol is being tested to reduce periodontal disease in pregnant people and lower the chance of preterm birth and related child health issues.
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.