Understanding Blood Pressure Drops During Anesthesia in Very Young and Older Patients
Official title: Vascular Determinants of Anesthesia-Induced Hypotension at the Extremes of Age
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11117114 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores why very young children and older adults often experience low blood pressure during surgery and how their blood vessels play a role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $409,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151175-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117114 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research focuses on understanding issues relevant to neonates, infants, and adults over 70 years old undergoing general anesthesia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of the very young or older adult age groups may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this particular research.
What this research studies
Millions of patients, especially infants and older adults, face a higher risk of low blood pressure during surgery, which can lead to serious health issues. Our goal is to understand the specific reasons why this happens in these vulnerable age groups. We are looking closely at the unique characteristics of their blood vessels to see how they contribute to these blood pressure changes. By uncovering these underlying mechanisms, we hope to find better ways to keep blood pressure stable during anesthesia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to improved strategies for preventing and managing low blood pressure during surgery, enhancing safety for vulnerable patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the problem of intraoperative hypotension is recognized, the specific mechanisms underlying its increased risk in these age extremes are not fully clear, making this a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitaker, Emmett E — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Whitaker, Emmett E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Vascular Triggers of Anesthesia-Related Low Blood Pressure in the Old and Very Young
This NIH grant explores why people at the youngest and oldest ages are more likely to have dangerously low blood pressure during general anesthesia and how to prevent it.
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How blood vessel properties affect anesthesia-related low blood pressure in very young and older patients
This study is looking into why babies and older adults often have low blood pressure when they are put under anesthesia, so we can find better ways to keep them safe during surgery.
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Wearable device to monitor blood pressure after surgery
This study is testing a comfortable wearable device that keeps an eye on your blood pressure after surgery, helping to quickly alert caregivers if it drops too low, so you can stay safe and recover better.
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A device to help manage low blood pressure when standing in older adults
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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.