Understanding why critically ill patients with respiratory failure and sepsis face health disparities.
Official title: Investigating mechanisms of disparities for critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure and sepsis.
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11018640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why critically ill patients with breathing problems and infections, especially those from minority backgrounds, often have worse health outcomes, and it aims to find ways to improve their care based on their unique challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $161,821 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL171466-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018640 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include critically ill patients aged 21 and older who are experiencing acute respiratory failure or sepsis, particularly those from minority backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not critically ill or those who do not have acute respiratory failure or sepsis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind unequal health outcomes for critically ill patients suffering from acute respiratory failure and sepsis, particularly focusing on those from minority backgrounds. The principal investigator, Dr. Christopher Chesley, aims to identify how socioeconomic factors and hospital characteristics contribute to these disparities. By employing advanced methodologies and qualitative study designs, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms that lead to differences in clinical outcomes and length of hospital stays. The ultimate goal is to develop targeted interventions that can improve care delivery for affected populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and healthcare policies that reduce disparities in critical care for patients with respiratory failure and sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in addressing health disparities in critical care settings, indicating that this approach has the potential for meaningful impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chesley, Christopher Francis — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chesley, Christopher Francis
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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Understanding how ICU and ward care affects patients with severe respiratory issues and sepsis
This study looks at how choosing to treat patients with serious breathing problems and infections in either intensive care units or regular hospital rooms affects their recovery, with the aim of finding ways to improve care for these patients.
-
Using Ganciclovir to Prevent Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Patients with Severe Respiratory Issues
This study is looking at whether the antiviral medication ganciclovir can help prevent the reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in adults with severe respiratory failure caused by sepsis, to see if it can improve their recovery and reduce the time they spend on a ventilator and in the ICU.
-
Using ganciclovir to stop cytomegalovirus from reactivating in patients with severe respiratory failure and sepsis
This study is looking at whether the antiviral drug ganciclovir can help prevent a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) from coming back in adults who are seriously ill with respiratory failure from sepsis, and it’s for people who want to help improve treatment options for patients in critical condition.
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.