Using AI to improve iron deficiency treatment in pregnant individuals
Official title: An AI-Directed CDS Tool to Reduce Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial (AID-IDA Trial)
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10951600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new tool to help doctors better find and treat iron deficiency in pregnant people, especially those at higher risk for heavy bleeding after giving birth, to improve their health during and after pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $118,089 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HS030148-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals, especially those identified as being at high risk for postpartum hemorrhage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have any risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an innovative clinical decision support tool that enhances the screening and management of iron deficiency in pregnant individuals, particularly those at high risk for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). By implementing a novel algorithm, the project seeks to identify and treat iron deficiency more effectively than current practices, which often miss cases due to inadequate screening. The approach involves a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the tool's effectiveness in improving maternal health outcomes during and after pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant individuals, leading to better health outcomes during childbirth.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar clinical decision support tools in improving health outcomes, indicating a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clapp, Mark Allen — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Clapp, Mark Allen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Oral vs IV Iron in Pregnancy: A Larger Trial to Prevent Anemia and Transfusions
This study tests whether IV iron during pregnancy can be better than oral iron at improving anemia and reducing the need for blood transfusions.
-
Iron‑deficiency anemia and its impact on brain function in late childhood
This study looks at how iron-deficiency anemia in late childhood and adolescence may affect thinking skills and brain development in young females.
-
Brain blood flow and oxygen use in adult iron deficiency anemia
This study looks at how moderate iron deficiency anemia in adults affects brain blood flow, oxygen use, and thinking abilities, and whether iron treatment can reverse any problems.
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Machine learning to predict iron deficiency risk in babies based on mom’s stress during pregnancy
A fast, data-driven approach uses a mother’s stress during pregnancy to help predict which babies might be at risk for iron deficiency anemia.
-
Iron-deficiency anemia treatment plan for adults undergoing surgery
Aimed at adults having surgery, this project tests a practical plan to identify and treat iron deficiency anemia to improve recovery and reduce complications.
-
How iron-deficiency anemia in later childhood affects the brain and thinking
This project looks at girls and young women aged 12–21 with iron-deficiency anemia to see how it changes brain metabolism, blood flow, and thinking using cognitive tests and MRI scans.
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.