Using existing data to improve steroid treatments for patients with severe lung injury.
Official title: Emulated Target Trials of Steroids in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11045349 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can use information from past patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to find better treatment options that fit each person's needs, especially after what we learned during the COVID pandemic.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $153,099 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL177773-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045349 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome, particularly those who may benefit from steroid treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild respiratory issues or those not diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to better use existing data to inform treatment decisions for patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious lung condition. By employing a method called 'target trial emulation,' the study aims to analyze treatment strategies that adapt over time based on individual patient needs. It will utilize large datasets from intensive care units to explore personalized treatment approaches, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients. The research seeks to fill knowledge gaps in ARDS care that became evident during the COVID pandemic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective steroid treatments for patients with ARDS, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using observational data and dynamic treatment regimes to improve patient outcomes, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lehman, Li-Wei H — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Lehman, Li-Wei H
Related research
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This project looks at why some ARDS survivors have ongoing weakness and how immune, hormone, and muscle energy factors might influence recovery.</n>
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Understanding why some people with severe lung injury get worse and how to tailor therapy
A patient-focused program that looks at why people develop sepsis-associated ARDS and how their bodies respond, with the goal of guiding better, personalized treatments.
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.