The diagnostic use of metabolomics for the early recognition of sepsis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The diagnostic use of metabolomics for the early recognition of sepsis
IRAS ID
122091
Contact name
Malcolm Sim
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS GGC
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Sepsis is a significant health care problem accounting for 20% of all admissions into ITU with a 30% mortality. The clinical outcome of sepsis has not improved over the years despite a range of therapeutic changes in its management The recognition of sepsis is sometimes problematic, and the identification of an infecting organism, using routine culture methods, often delayed necessitating the use of broad spectrum antibiotics in these patients. The need for better diagnosis of sepsis has been highlighted within the literature over the years. Metabolomics using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) or mass spectroscopy (MS) has the ability to detect metabolites in cells, tissues or biofluids and has the advantages of being quick (minutes), reproducible, and capable of high throughput, making it an excellent candidate technique for diagnostic testing. Metabolomics has shown promise in the diagnosis of experimental sepsis in a number of animal models, showing a very high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. This potential allows for the initiation of early targeted antimicrobial therapy. The outcomes of this targeted therapy will be improved patient outcomes and a reduction in inappropriate antibiotic use thereby reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance. The risk of antibiotic resistance is now a global concern and the ability to have fast accurate diagnostic tests that show there is no infection present, allowing doctors to stop unnecessary antibiotics is a key component in the drive to protect antibiotics for future generations. This study is a proof of concept study that will look at metabolomic profiles from patients who are septic to identify its usefulness as a clinical diagnostic test.
REC name
Scotland A: Adults with Incapacity only
REC reference
17/SS/0062
Date of REC Opinion
17 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion