Understanding how cell-free hemoglobin affects kidney injury after heart surgery in children
Official title: Mechanisms of Cell-Free Plasma Hemoglobin-Mediated Renal Injury after Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10654592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called cell-free plasma hemoglobin, which can be released during heart surgeries in kids, might lead to kidney problems, and it aims to find ways to help protect their kidneys during these procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $159,183 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HD100553-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10654592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass during cardiac surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass or those with pre-existing severe kidney conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which cell-free plasma hemoglobin, produced during cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric heart surgeries, contributes to acute kidney injury. The study aims to identify the pathophysiological processes involved and explore potential therapeutic targets through both clinical observations and an in vivo rodent model. By examining the relationship between hemoglobin levels, oxidative stress, and kidney function, the research seeks to improve outcomes for children undergoing these procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing kidney injury in children after heart surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between cell-free hemoglobin and kidney injury, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim-Campbell, Nahmah — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kim-Campbell, Nahmah
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut bacteria and increased inflammation after heart bypass in children with congenital heart defects
This project will look at whether an unhealthy gut microbiome in children with congenital heart defects makes inflammation and gut barrier damage worse after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
-
How red blood cells drive inflammation after heart bypass in children
Looking at whether damaged red blood cells make the inflammation and organ problems children often get after heart bypass surgery worse.
-
Why heart–lung bypass causes inflammation in newborns
Seeing if the high blood-flow stresses during heart–lung bypass trigger inflammation in babies having open‑heart surgery.
-
A protein treatment to protect babies' hearts during heart surgery
A protein medicine called OMX aims to deliver oxygen to protect the hearts and organs of newborns and infants during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
-
How red blood cells affect inflammation during heart surgery in children
This study is looking at how red blood cells might cause inflammation during heart surgeries in kids, with the goal of finding ways to reduce this inflammation and help patients recover better after surgery.
-
Effects of exosomes on heart injury during heart surgery
This study is looking at how tiny particles called exosomes, which come from your cells, might influence heart damage during heart surgery for mitral regurgitation, helping doctors better understand and predict how your heart will recover after the procedure.
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.