Glyco-SAVe: red blood cell glycocalyx in sepsis-AKI and volunteers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Glyco-SAVe Study: comparing the red blood cell glycocalyx in sepsis-AKI and healthy volunteers
IRAS ID
319598
Contact name
Laura Carey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition when the body’s response to an infection injures the tissues and organs. When the kidney is involved, this is referred to as sepsis induced acute kidney injury (sepsis-AKI). AKI occurs in over 1 in 5 adult admissions to hospital and is associated with a more than fourfold increased likelihood of death. There are currently no specific treatments for this condition. In the UK, the cost of AKI related healthcare is estimated at £1.02 billion; just over 1% of the total NHS budget.
There is emerging evidence that the inner lining of small blood vessels (called the glycocalyx) is shed into the urine and blood circulation in sepsis-AKI. When this protective lining is shed, it becomes thinner and leakier meaning that the kidney allows more proteins into the urine than normal. Data from our research group has shown that the glycocalyx on the small blood vessels in the kidney mirrors the red blood cell glycocalyx. We want to know whether the lining of the red blood cell glycocalyx differs between patients with sepsis-AKI and healthy volunteers. We will also look to see whether glycocalyx thickness is associated with how much protein their kidneys are leaking into the urine, and how severe their illness is.
This cross-sectional observational study is funded by the Bristol Health Research Charity and will recruit adults from Southmead Hospital. Participants (patients with sepsis-AKI) and healthy volunteers will be asked for a blood and urine sample. The whole study will last 1 year.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SC/0430
Date of REC Opinion
19 Dec 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion