Understanding red blood cell damage during heart surgery

Extra-Cellular Hemoglobin, Organ Injury in Extended Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Observational University of Maryland, Baltimore · NCT05189262

This study is trying to understand how damage to red blood cells during heart surgery affects organ health, so doctors can find better ways to protect patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 88 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore Academic / other
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05189262 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how red blood cell lysis and the release of hemoglobin into plasma (pfH) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) contribute to organ injury in patients undergoing complex cardiac surgeries. It aims to determine safe levels of pfH and the role of protective proteins in mitigating damage. By collecting blood and urine samples, the study will develop a computer model to predict organ injury risk based on pfH and protein levels. The findings could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for early detection and management of organ injury associated with CPB.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 88 who are admitted for complex cardiac procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, non-English speaking, or unable to provide consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better monitoring and prevention of organ injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of studying pfH and organ injury is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding red blood cell damage during cardiac procedures.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Admitted to UMMC for cardiac procedure
* Age: \>/=18 y.o TO 88 y.o.
* Undergoing CPB \>1hr for the following surgeries (a) complex cardiac surgery (b) heart valve replacement surgery OR (c) CABG surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant
* Non English speaking
* Unable to consent or have Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) assent to study

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiopulmonary BypassCardiac SurgeryKidney Injury, Acute
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.