Recruiting

Blood tests to improve heart transplant care in children

Plain-English translation of NCT06532890 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated September 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

Researchers are studying blood markers called microRNAs in children after heart transplant to create a simple blood test that could improve care. Right now, doctors have to balance anti-rejection medications carefully—too much can cause dangerous infections, too little can cause rejection. This research aims to find a blood test that shows doctors exactly how much medication each child needs.

After heart transplant, children must take medications to prevent their body from rejecting the new heart, but finding the right dose is difficult and can lead to serious complications. This study exists to create a non-invasive blood test that could help doctors personalize treatment and reduce these risks.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years old or younger at the time of your heart transplant
you are enrolled between 10 and 50 days after your heart transplant
you plan to receive ongoing care at the transplant center for at least one year
your parent or caregiver can attend study visits and follow the study schedule

You likely don't qualify if…

you received multiple organs in your transplant (heart plus other organs)
you had a previous organ transplant before this heart transplant
you are still on a heart-support machine or have unstable heart function after transplant
you currently have an active infection requiring hospitalization or antibiotic treatment
you already experienced rejection that was treated before enrolling in the study

What participation looks like

You will continue your regular transplant follow-up visits and care at your transplant center as usual. During your 2-year participation, research staff will collect small blood samples at specific time points after your transplant and whenever you have a rejection scare or infection. These extra blood samples will be tested to look for microRNA patterns that could help doctors adjust your anti-rejection medications.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Sep 5, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(7 sites)

United States

Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Columbia University, New York, New York

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania