Understanding how heme affects pregnancy outcomes in women with sickle cell disease
Official title: Investigating the Role of Heme-Induced Complement Activation in SCD Pregnancy
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10949887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how sickle cell disease can cause problems during pregnancy, like early delivery or serious health issues, and aims to understand how inflammation affects these risks so that we can find better ways to support pregnant women with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $101,183 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL175098-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or those not currently pregnant may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complications that arise during pregnancy in women with sickle cell disease (SCD), focusing on how heme-induced complement activation may contribute to these issues. The study aims to identify the mechanisms behind increased risks such as preterm delivery and maternal death by examining the role of inflammation and vascular health in SCD pregnancies. By analyzing blood samples and biological markers, researchers hope to uncover the relationship between chronic hemolysis and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This could lead to better management strategies for pregnant women with SCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pregnancy outcomes and healthcare strategies for women with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding inflammatory responses in pregnancy can lead to significant improvements in maternal and fetal health outcomes, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chambliss, Christopher — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Chambliss, Christopher
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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.