Understanding how medicines affect a baby's heart vessel closure
Pharmacologic Contributors to Patent Ductus Arteriosus
This research explores if common medicines given to premature babies might prevent a vital blood vessel in their heart from closing properly after birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112400 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
After birth, a baby's heart needs a special blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus (DA) to close. If it stays open, it's called PDA, which is common in premature babies and can cause serious health issues. Current treatments for PDA only focus on one way to close this vessel, but we now know many factors are involved. This project looks at whether common medications given to very sick premature babies might accidentally keep the DA open. Our earlier work suggests that certain antibiotics, antacids, and diuretics could have this effect, and we want to understand this better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for premature newborns, especially those in their first month of life, who are at risk for or have patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Not a fit: Patients who are not premature newborns or who do not have patent ductus arteriosus would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors choose medications more carefully for premature babies or lead to new ways to help the ductus arteriosus close, improving outcomes for these vulnerable infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in animal models and with human data have shown that some common medications can affect the ductus arteriosus, suggesting this approach builds on existing observations but aims for a more systematic understanding.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reese, John Jeffrey — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Reese, John Jeffrey
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.