WARRIORS: Early repair or observation for women with small abdominal aortic aneurysms
Official title: 2/2 Women's Aneurysm Research: Repair Immediately Or Routine Surveillance: WARRIORS trial
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11415182 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research test asks whether women with small, asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms should have early repair or continued surveillance to improve survival and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2032 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $157,520 |
| NIH project number | 5U24HL181192-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415182 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women aged 50 or older with small, asymptomatic AAA (4.0–5.4 cm) who are eligible for endovascular repair.
✕Less likely to help
Women outside the age range, with aneurysm sizes outside 4.0–5.4 cm, or those not suitable for EVAR may not benefit from changes in current guidelines.
What this research studies
The WARRIORS trial is a large international study enrolling women aged 50 and older with small abdominal aortic aneurysms to compare early elective endovascular repair against routine surveillance. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two pathways, with careful tracking of mortality, aneurysm-related events, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness over five years. The study uses registry data and electronic health records to identify eligible patients and ensure diverse representation, while engaging patients and communities to minimize loss to follow-up. Results could change when and for whom elective repair is recommended, particularly for women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could lead to more personalized treatment timing for women with small AAAs, potentially reducing rupture risk and improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows mixed results; this trial is one of the largest to address sex-specific timing of repair with rigorous randomization.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Szychowski, Jeff M — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Szychowski, Jeff M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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WARRIORS: Should women with small abdominal aortic aneurysms get early repair or stay under surveillance?
A large international study is testing whether women with small abdominal aortic aneurysms should have early repair or watchful waiting, to see if earlier treatment improves survival and quality of life.
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Endovascular Suturing Device to Improve Endograft Fixation in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
A new device aims to better secure endografts during EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm to reduce future repairs.
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Sexual differences in thoracic aortic aneurysm biology
A study to understand why men and women experience thoracic aortic aneurysms differently, with a focus on human tissue and biology.
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.