Skin water-loss monitoring to spot food allergy reactions early
University of Michigan MHWFAC CoFar CMC Center Application
This project uses a small skin sensor to watch tiny increases in water loss and help spot dangerous food allergy reactions early in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310747 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have a thin, noninvasive sensor placed on your skin while a supervised oral food challenge is done, and the device measures transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The TEWL monitor records real-time changes that can occur when blood vessels dilate and fluid leaves the skin during an allergic reaction. Researchers will compare TEWL readings with symptoms and lab tests to determine whether rises occur before visible signs of anaphylaxis. The approach aims to provide an objective, early warning signal during challenges to reduce the chance of severe reactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21 and older) with known or suspected food allergies who are scheduled for supervised oral food challenges are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without food allergies, children under 21, or anyone not undergoing supervised food challenges are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give clinicians an earlier, objective warning of severe allergic reactions so they can treat people sooner and reduce anaphylaxis risk.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot work, including data from this team, suggests TEWL rises before clinical signs, but the approach is still emerging and needs larger clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, James R. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Baker, James R.
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.