Understanding Airway Changes in Newborns
Neonatal Modulation of Airway Contractility
This research explores how oxygen and breathing support given to premature babies might affect their airways and lead to conditions like asthma later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097207 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Premature babies often need extra oxygen and breathing support, like CPAP, to help them develop. Previous research has shown that receiving oxygen as a newborn can lead to airways that are overly reactive and undergo structural changes, which contributes to wheezing and increases the risk of asthma. While CPAP is helpful initially, we don't fully understand its long-term effects on the flexible airways of infants. This project aims to uncover how oxygen and CPAP interact to cause these airway changes, focusing on specific channels in airway muscles that respond to mechanical forces. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find ways to prevent long-term breathing problems in premature infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for premature babies who receive oxygen or breathing support, and their families concerned about long-term lung health.
Not a fit: Patients who did not receive oxygen or breathing support as premature infants may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies to protect premature babies from developing asthma and other chronic lung conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from this long-running research program has shown links between neonatal oxygen and airway problems, and preliminary data supports the current approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prakash, Y. S. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Prakash, Y. S.
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.