Understanding stomach and esophagus movement in children with breathing problems
The impact of upper gastrointestinal dysmotility on aspiration-associated aerodigestive disorders in children
This research looks at how problems with stomach and esophagus movement might cause lung infections in children with neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11095897 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many children with neurological conditions frequently get lung infections, called aspiration pneumonias, which lead to many hospital visits. Doctors have traditionally thought these infections were caused by stomach acid reflux, leading to treatments like acid-reducing medicines or anti-reflux surgeries. However, these treatments often don't work and might even make things worse by changing the gut's natural balance or slowing down digestion. This project aims to understand if slow movement in the upper digestive system causes fluids to sit still, leading to harmful changes that, when breathed into the lungs, cause these serious infections. We want to find out which specific movement problems lead to fluid buildup and if correcting these issues could prevent future lung problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years old who have neurological impairment and experience frequent aspiration pneumonias.
Not a fit: Patients without neurological impairment or those who do not experience aspiration-associated aerodigestive disorders would likely not receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new and more effective ways to prevent serious lung infections in children with neurological impairment, improving their health and reducing hospital stays.
How similar studies have performed: Current treatments for aspiration pneumonia in this population have largely failed to reduce the problem, suggesting this research explores a novel and unproven approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosen, Rachel L — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rosen, Rachel L
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.