Understanding sepsis-related disability and precision medicine
Official title: Understanding pathology of sepsis-induced physical disability for future precision medicine
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11333827 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant aims to uncover why some sepsis survivors develop lasting physical disability and how age, sex, race, and gut bacteria influence recovery to guide personalized care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $344,660 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151038-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333827 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have survived sepsis and are at risk for chronic critical illness and physical disability.
✕Less likely to help
People without sepsis or those not at risk for long-term disability may not benefit.
What this research studies
Sepsis survivors can face long-term weakness and disability even after the initial infection; this project explores how aging, sex, race/ethnicity, and gut microbiome contribute to that problem. Researchers will examine immune and organ function over time to identify why some patients recover differently. The work will use human data from patients and may include analyses of biological samples to pinpoint who is at higher risk for persistent problems. The goal is to inform tailored interventions that prevent or mitigate physical disability after sepsis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to personalized prevention and treatment strategies to reduce long-term disability after sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials with one-size-fits-all approaches showed limited success, highlighting the need for personalized strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mankowski, Robert T — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Mankowski, Robert T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Exploring how sepsis affects physical disability in older adults
This study is looking at how sepsis affects older adults over time, especially in terms of physical abilities, and it wants to find out how things like age, gender, and race can influence recovery, so that we can create more personalized ways to help sepsis survivors stay healthy and active.
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Understanding Kidney Health's Link to Memory and Movement in Older Adults
This project looks at how kidney health might be connected to both memory problems and physical challenges in older adults.
-
Investigating how aging biomarkers relate to Alzheimer's disease and physical disability
This study is looking at how certain biological factors related to aging might lead to Alzheimer's disease and physical disabilities in older adults, with the hope of finding ways to prevent these issues and improve health.
-
Role of blood flow mechanics and transfusion in sepsis-related tiny-cl vessel clots
A patient-focused look at how red blood cell flow and transfusions might influence tiny blood vessel clots and organ problems in sepsis.
-
STeroids and enhanced Antibiotics for sepsis in Africa with HIV/TB (STARS)
This grant tests whether adding steroids and stronger antibiotics helps adults with severe sepsis tied to HIV/TB in areas with high TB rates.
-
Steroids and better antibiotics for sepsis in people with AIDS in Africa
This study tests whether adding hydrocortisone and stronger antibiotics can improve survival for adults with sepsis who also have AIDS or advanced immune suppression in regions with high TB.
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.