Continuous microdialysis measurements in TBI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of microdialysis online sensor technology for use in critical care of acute brain trauma patients
IRAS ID
214601
Contact name
Peter J A Hutchinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge > University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Aim: Development of a low-cost “real-time” brain chemistry online sensor for use in critical care of acute brain trauma patients.
Background: Head injury is the largest single cause of death in those aged under 40 years in the developed world. After the initial traumatic event, the greatest clinical challenge is to limit secondary insults to the brain. After injury, complex, dynamic changes occur in the brain’s chemistry. Managing these dynamic events can vastly improve patient outcome. Currently, we monitor pressure in the brain and oxygen levels with “real-time” analyses, which allows us to respond rapidly to any dangerous changes in these parameters. The analysis of brain chemistry is performed using a technique called microdialysis, which collects samples of brain fluid. These have to be manually transferred to the bedside analyzer every hour, for several days.
Design & Methods: We have established proof-of-concept in the laboratory for a novel sensor for glucose, lactate and pyruvate, the three most important substances monitored hourly by the existing bedside equipment. The importance of these three substances in clinical monitoring is recognised in the Consensus Statement produced from the International Microdialysis Forum 2014 (Hutchinson et al., 2015).
The new sensor utilises a technique called surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and does not require the expensive consumables used in existing bedside microdialysis analysers. Further laboratory work will optimise the sensor, which will then be trialled and ultimately utilised online at the bedside.
Patient & Public Involvement, and Dissemination: The new technology will create opportunities for improvements in patient management and therapy. Development of this sensor will assist in the deployment of microdialysis monitoring of brain-injury patients to many more hospitals’ critical-care units and paediatric critical-care units. Patients, carers and relevant members of the public will also be involved, including through the charity Headway.REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0321
Date of REC Opinion
14 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion