Plasma oncotic pressure as a predictor of renal failure
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Plasma oncotic pressure as a predictor of renal failure in critically ill patients with severe sepsis and septic shock
IRAS ID
191270
Contact name
David Brealey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 6 days
Research summary
Kidney failure is one of the most serious and common complications of severe infection on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It is associated with an increased hospital stay, healthcare costs and risk of death. The treatment of kidney failure is also challenging, burdensome and associated with potential harm. Though there is a link between the levels of inflammation associated with the infection and kidney failure, the mechanism behind this remains unclear. We need to improve our understanding in order to develop new preventative and management strategies.
One potential cause is a disturbance in oncotic pressure. Oncotic pressure is the pressure exerted on the circulation by large molecules within the blood stream (e.g. proteins). We do know that this pressure is important in maintaining the circulation, including blood flow in the kidney and a high oncotic pressure is associated with kidney damage. It is also known that severe infection is associated with significant change in the protein content within the circulation, though it is unclear whether this is the cause of kidney failure in this group of patients. This may be worsened by damage to the vascular endothelium and loss of the the endothelial glycocalyx which results in the capillaries becoming ‘leaky’ during the septic episode.
This study will measure the oncotic pressure in the blood stream of septic patients and examine the relationship with kidney function. This study aims to use the Osmomat 050 (Genotec), to allow a rapid measurement of oncotic pressure using a small volume of blood taken from the patient. The study will also examine the association between kidney function, clinical outcome and oncotic pressure. It will also study any relationship with the level of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction by measuring the relevant markers in the blood.REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0099
Date of REC Opinion
16 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion