STeroids and enhanced Antibiotics for sepsis in Africa with HIV/TB (STARS)
Official title: STeroids and enhanced Antibiotics for the treatment of patients in Africa with Refractory Sepsis: STARS trial
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11617036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests whether adding steroids and stronger antibiotics helps adults with severe sepsis tied to HIV/TB in areas with high TB rates.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $162,000 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI192033-02S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11617036 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+ years) with HIV/TB and sepsis admitted to participating hospitals in regions with high TB prevalence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sepsis or without HIV/TB–related immune suppression may not benefit.
What this research studies
Sepsis is a dangerous organ‑level illness caused by infection. This project focuses on adults with advanced immune suppression from HIV/TB who develop sepsis and may receive targeted steroid therapy plus intensified antibiotics. The study uses an observational foundation to guide a randomized approach, aiming to determine if a hydrocortisone treatment plan improves survival over standard care in the first month after hospital admission. It involves collaboration at sites with high TB burden and patients who meet specific clinical criteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with sepsis and HIV/TB could have better chances of surviving initial critical illness.
How similar studies have gone: Observational data suggest corticosteroids may improve survival in some septic patients, but results have been mixed across trials.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heysell, Scott K — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Heysell, Scott K
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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.