NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how certain molecules affect recovery after heart surgery in children

Official title: The role of damage-associated molecular patterns in perioperative morbidities and mortalities of pediatric congenital heart diseases

Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10669290 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain molecules released during heart surgery for kids with congenital heart diseases affect their recovery and overall health, with the goal of finding better ways to help them heal.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2022
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$221,250
NIH project number5R21HD109119-02
Project IDNIH-10669290 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are neonates and infants with congenital heart diseases who are scheduled for cardiac surgery.

Less likely to help

Patients with congenital heart diseases who are not undergoing surgery or are older than the pediatric age range may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in the health outcomes of children undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart diseases. By analyzing how these molecules are released during tissue injury, the study aims to understand their impact on inflammation and organ function post-surgery. The approach includes measuring DAMP levels in the bloodstream and correlating them with patient outcomes, which could lead to improved clinical strategies and therapies for affected children.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management and treatment strategies that reduce complications and improve recovery for children undergoing heart surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding DAMPs in other contexts, such as trauma and sepsis, can lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

  • Boston Children's Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Yuki, Koichi — Boston Children's Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Yuki, Koichi

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • How mechanical stress on heart muscle cells affects heart health

    Researchers are looking at how physical pressure on heart muscle cells changes their electrical signals and contractions, which could help people with high blood pressure or weakened hearts.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11307656

  • Systems Genomics to Understand Congenital Heart Disease in People

    A patient-focused project will use genetics and computer data analysis to uncover why congenital heart disease happens and how it leads to health problems from infancy to adulthood.

    NIH research University of Hawaii at Manoa · Honolulu, United States · NIH-11268906

  • How mechanical load affects heart function and diseases

    This study is looking at how the pressure and strain on heart muscle cells affect their function, which could help us understand and treat heart problems like arrhythmias and heart failure better.

    NIH research University of California at Davis · Davis, United States · NIH-11045773

  • Improving heart disease risk prediction for diverse populations

    This study is working to create better tools for predicting the risk of heart disease by looking at both your genes and other health factors, especially for people from different backgrounds, so that everyone can get fairer and more accurate health care.

    NIH research J. David Gladstone Institutes · San Francisco, United States · NIH-10864740

  • TRIFORMIS RESILIA heart valve real-world results in tricuspid disease

    A real-world, observational study to see how the Edwards TRIFORMIS RESILIA tricuspid heart valve performs in adults needing tricuspid valve replacement.

    Recruiting Edwards Lifesciences · Carmel, Indiana · NCT07684313

  • Women-Focused Education in Cardiac Rehab

    This pilot test checks if a women-focused education program added to standard cardiac rehab is feasible and helps women improve heart-health knowledge, quality of life, and healthy behaviors.

    Recruiting University Health Network, Toronto · Barrie, Ontario and 2 other locations · NCT07550036

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.