Pulmonary CT in pneumonia complicating stroke
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Feasibility and Reliability of Pulmonary Computed Tomography as a Radiological Reference Standard for Evaluating Chest X-ray and Blood Biomarkers in Suspected Pneumonia Complicating Stroke
IRAS ID
213436
Contact name
Craig Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Pneumonia is a frequent complication of stroke, particularly within the first few days. The risk of pneumonia is increased in patients who are older, have a more severe stroke and in those who have swallowing problems as a result of their stroke. Patients who develop pneumonia have a higher risk of death and longer hospital stay. The diagnosis of pneumonia is not always easy, but it is important to identify pneumonia early in order to begin the most appropriate treatment in a timely fashion and avoid giving antibiotics unnecessarily. Chest x-ray, the standard test undertaken when pneumonia is suspected, infrequently shows changes and is of limited value.\n\nPulmonary Computed Tomography (CT) scans can be used to image the lungs in more detail than a standard chest x-ray. We plan to assess if it is feasible to perform pulmonary CT imaging in stroke patients within 48 hours of symptoms and who may be acutely unwell. We will also investigate how reliable CT is at diagnosing pneumonia by asking different x-ray doctors to review the scans. Comparing the result of the pulmonary CT imaging to the chest x-ray will allow assessment of their utility for the diagnosis of pneumonia. We will also record whether the CT informs clinical management e.g stopping antibiotics if pneumonia is excluded.\n\nBlood samples will be collected for measurement of inflammatory markers and mouth swabs will measure types of bacteria. The analysis will be conducted at Salford Royal and using new cutting-edge techniques performed by collaborators at ThermoFisher and Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research. We will assess how useful these inflammatory proteins are in pneumonia diagnosis compared to the pulmonary CT scans. This research will help us design larger studies to diagnose pneumonia earlier and more accurately, enabling more effective use of antibiotics.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0010
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion