MET-ICU Feasibility Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
From Catabolism to Anabolism: Metabolomics-Guided Precision Nutrition in Critical Care
IRAS ID
369869
Contact name
Irina Grecu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
Critical illness causes major changes in how the body uses energy and nutrients. Severe infections, trauma, or organ failure can lead to muscle breakdown and long-term weakness, even after patients survive their ICU stay. Although nutrition is an important part of intensive care, current approaches use general guidelines rather than being tailored to individual patients.
This feasibility study will investigate whether it is practical and acceptable to measure small molecules in blood and urine (a technique called metabolomics) to better understand how metabolism changes during critical illness. We will collect very small blood and urine samples from 30 mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients at several time points during their ICU stay and link these results with routine clinical information from electronic health records.
The study is observational and will not alter patient treatment. Metabolomics samples will be stored short term for analysis and then destroyed. The findings will help determine whether a larger study could develop personalised nutrition strategies to improve recovery after critical illness.
As patients are expected to lack capacity at enrolment, a consultee process will be used in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0172
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion