Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery
About This Grant
Project Summary/Abstract Despite advances in perioperative care, morbidity and mortality risks remain high following complex congenital cardiac surgery in infants and neonates. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) are major contributors to these adverse outcomes. Current predictive models lack precision for timely intervention. Emerging evidence suggests that cell-free DNA (cfDNA), including nuclear (ncfDNA) and mitochondrial (mcfDNA) cfDNA, can serve as biomarkers for systemic inflammation and myocardial injury. Preliminary studies indicate their potential in predicting adverse events, particularly after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). This project aims to validate plasma cfDNA as a clinically actionable biomarker for predicting critical post- surgical events in infants (<1 yr) undergoing congenital heart surgery. Using Society for Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk stratification, we will determine cfDNA thresholds that predict adverse outcomes. Additionally, we seek to develop and assess a real-time qPCR based cfDNA assay kit for hospital-based molecular laboratories, enabling timely risk assessment and precision medicine approaches to improve perioperative care. Aim 1: Validation of cfDNA thresholds for Adverse Outcomes. We will conduct a multicenter prospective clinical study involving 200 infants undergoing complex congenital heart surgery. Plasma ncfDNA and mcfDNA levels will be measured and correlated with key clinical outcomes, including cardiac arrest, mechanical circulatory support, and death (CAED). The analytical validation at participating labs can be abbreviated based on existing extensive validation data, reducing time and cost. All samples will be processed in a CAP/CLIA-certified reference laboratory, and cfDNA levels will be analyzed using regression models and ROC analysis to establish predictive thresholds. Aim 2: Hospital-Based cfDNA Assay Performance Testing and Kit Development. We will evaluate a prototype cfDNA assay kit in two hospital-based clinical molecular laboratories to assess its analytical performance and ease of use. A 20-subject two-site lab study will be conducted to establish inter-laboratory equivalency and reproducibility. The study will examine the assay’s reliability, streamline its implementation in hospital settings, and facilitate clinical adoption for improved perioperative risk assessment in congenital heart surgery patients. This project will validate cfDNA as a transformative biomarker, develop a rapid assay for timely deployment, and integrate these findings into clinical workflows, enhancing outcomes for infants undergoing complex cardiac surgery. risk assessment and precision medicine approaches to improve perioperative care
Grant Summary
Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery is a NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute grant providing up to $792K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2030-03-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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How to Apply
Up to $792K
2030-03-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery from NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute before the deadline.
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Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery?
Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery is offered by NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery provide?
Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery provides up to $792K per award from NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery deadline?
Applications for Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery are due 2030-03-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery?
To apply for Cell-free nucleic acid as a predictor of severity of illness and outcome in complex congenital heart surgery, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NHLBI - National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.