Using light therapy to reduce infections in severe bone fractures
Adjuvant Photodynamic Therapy to Reduce Bacterial Bioburden in High-Energy Contaminated Open Fractures
This study is looking at a new way to help people with serious open fractures that have bacteria in them by using a special light therapy to reduce infections, which could help them heal better and avoid complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lebanon, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10924011 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as an additional treatment for patients with high-energy open fractures that are contaminated. The approach aims to reduce the bacterial load in the wound, which is crucial for preventing infections that can lead to serious complications such as prolonged recovery or even limb loss. By optimizing PDT, the researchers hope to enhance current infection prevention strategies, which often include antibiotics and surgical interventions. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy in an animal model before considering its application in human patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from high-energy open fractures that are at risk of infection.
Not a fit: Patients with closed fractures or those who do not have a high risk of infection may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the risk of infections in patients with severe bone fractures, improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with Photodynamic Therapy in reducing bacterial infections in various medical contexts, suggesting potential for success in this application.
Where this research is happening
Lebanon, United States
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic — Lebanon, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elliott, Jonathan T — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
- Study coordinator: Elliott, Jonathan T
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.