Understanding Oxytocin and Postpartum Bleeding
Oxytocin sensitivity and postpartum hemorrhage: testing genetic and epigenetic biomarkers for improving maternal morbidity
This research looks at how genetics and other factors might make some mothers more likely to experience heavy bleeding after childbirth, even when given oxytocin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11106045 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Postpartum hemorrhage, or heavy bleeding after birth, is a serious concern for many new mothers, especially those who receive oxytocin to help with labor. While oxytocin is a common treatment, some individuals don't respond as well to it, leading to more bleeding. Current methods for predicting who is at risk aren't always accurate. This project aims to find new genetic and biological markers that could help us better understand why some mothers are more sensitive or resistant to oxytocin, and thus more prone to severe bleeding.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals who have experienced postpartum hemorrhage, especially after receiving oxytocin, or those with a family history of bleeding complications after childbirth.
Not a fit: Patients not at risk for or experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, or those without a history of oxytocin use during labor, would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to identify mothers at high risk for postpartum hemorrhage, allowing for more personalized care and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Current clinical prediction tools for postpartum hemorrhage are often inaccurate, indicating a need for novel approaches like the genetic and epigenetic biomarker discovery proposed here.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erickson, Elise N — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Erickson, Elise N
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.