INNOVATE

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Influenza Neutrophils, Novel Outcomes, Virology and Therapeutic Endotypes.

  • IRAS ID

    322601

  • Contact name

    James Chalmers

  • Contact email

    j.chalmers@dundee.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    TASC

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    The Influenza viruses (flu) affects the lives of thousands of people in the UK and around the world every year. In order to improve treatments and reduce the spread of the virus, doctors and scientists are still learning about flu and how it makes people ill. Flu is very contagious and makes the immune system very reactive; with cells called ‘neutrophils’ being one of the first type of cells to react. This study aims to look at how people’s neutrophils react in 3 different groups of people; (1) those with flu, (2) those with other chest infections like flu (but not flu) and (3) those people without a chest infection. We hope that by better understanding how these cells react, we can build a picture of how the disease develops and plan better strategies for treatment.
    Patients admitted to respiratory wards or assessment units in Ninewells hospital with a possible diagnosis of Influenza would be eligible for the study. The study staff will access NHS online lab systems to identify patients with a positive Influenza virus RT-PCR result. Study staff will also work closely with the managing NHS clinical teams who may also provide patient lists and identify the patients during admission.
    The study will be conducted at Ninewells hospital as a single site. The blood and/or sputum samples will be taken as soon as possible after admission after identifying eligible patients throughout the wards.
    Patients from the Influenza (flu) group will be asked if they would be willing to attend a follow-up visit at 1-3 months or staff will take the opportunity to visit them if the patient is attending a respiratory outpatient clinic appointment within this timeframe. This will allow us to compare their blood test results from baseline up to 90 days after confirmed diagnosis of influenza. The tests are being done for research only and no results will be made available to patients, including genetic tests.

  • REC name

    Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    22/YH/0289

  • Date of REC Opinion

    20 Dec 2022

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion