Grant Award Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) awarded a $443,978 Project Grant to Boston Children's Hospital for a three-year research initiative (Award Date: May 1, 2026; Completion Date: April 30, 2029) under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837). This R00 (Pathway to Independence) award supports Dr. Patricia Davenport's transition to an independent academic researcher focused on neonatal platelet (PLT) biology and transfusion medicine. The research examines the organ-specific harmful effects of platelet transfusions in preterm neonates, specifically investigating mechanisms by which liberal platelet transfusion thresholds contribute to increased neonatal mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (chronic lung disease), and neurodevelopmental disability, as demonstrated in the PLANET-2 clinical trial.

The primary deliverables include mechanistic research findings on how adult platelet transfusions—which are hyperreactive and pro-inflammatory compared to neonatal platelets—act as a "second hit" to initial inflammatory stimuli in preterm infants. The research will generate evidence-based recommendations for improved management of neonatal thrombocytopenia by establishing a better understanding of organ-specific consequences of platelet transfusions across different neonatal pathologies. Research outputs will advance scientific knowledge regarding platelet immunomodulation in vulnerable infant populations and may inform clinical transfusion protocols for neonatal care.