Using skin nerve activity to predict heart-related health outcomes

SKNA as a biomarker for cardiovascular events

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11087483

This study is looking at how measuring nerve activity in the skin can help doctors understand how well patients are recovering after a cardiac arrest and if they might have heart rhythm problems again after treatment, using techniques that have worked well in dogs.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11087483 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) can serve as a biomarker to predict neurological recovery in patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest and to assess the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence following catheter ablation. The study utilizes advanced recording techniques developed in canine models, which have shown promising correlations with human nerve activity. By analyzing SKNA, the researchers aim to provide valuable insights into patient recovery and treatment effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients who have experienced cardiac arrest and are undergoing therapeutic hypothermia or those who have had catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cardiac events or those not undergoing the specified treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies for patients recovering from cardiac events.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success in using similar biomarker approaches in canine models, indicating potential for translation to human applications.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anoxic Brain Injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.